The Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT) is the national subject association for Citizenship education. We support teachers to deliver high-quality, inclusive lessons that empower young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in democratic life and tackle the complex issues shaping society.

We are a membership organisation and education charity working with schools, educators, academics and policy makers to strengthen Citizenship as a subject in the curriculum. Through our expert training, curriculum support, teaching resources and national events, we help ensure every pupil can explore key themes such as equality, justice, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Our vision is for every young person to become an active, informed citizen. ACT’s values—democratic, collaborative, inclusive and ethical—run through everything we do. We champion the role of Citizenship education in promoting diversity, tackling misinformation, and building a more just and cohesive society.

As well as supporting classroom practice, ACT contributes to national policy development, curriculum design and subject research. Our work reaches thousands of teachers and students each year, ensuring the subject remains a vital part of education in schools across the UK and beyond.

ACT works with leading researchers to evidence the impact of Citizenship education. Recent studies with Nottingham Trent University and Middlesex University show that students who study GCSE Citizenship are more politically knowledgeable, engaged, and confident—particularly those from underrepresented groups. These findings support ACT’s call for a fully statutory Citizenship curriculum from primary to post-16.