Pyne hails agreement on curriculum step

Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne believes the national curriculum can be changed in time for the 2016 school year, with ministers getting expert advice in four months time.

The state and territory ministers agreed with Mr Pyne on Friday to ask the agency that oversees the curriculum for advice on how to respond to recommendations in a federal government review.

This was a "victory for practical, common-sense reform", Mr Pyne said.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority will get back to ministers when they next meet, likely in March.

Mr Pyne believes the agreement marks a significant step towards changing the curriculum.

It is understood he is still pushing for any changes to be in place by the 2016 school year, although some state ministers have said that timeline may be optimistic.

The curriculum review recommended decluttering the teaching agenda, particularly for primary schools.