Policy Press

Reforming the UK’s Citizenship Test

Building Bridges, Not Barriers

By Thom Brooks

Published

Apr 29, 2022

Page count

144 pages

ISBN

978-1529218527

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Apr 29, 2022

Page count

144 pages

ISBN

978-1529218534

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Apr 29, 2022

Page count

144 pages

ISBN

978-1529218534

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Reforming the UK’s Citizenship Test

How many questions could you answer in a pub quiz about British values?

Designed to ensure new migrants have accepted British values and integrated, the UK's citizenship test is often portrayed as a bad pub quiz with answers few citizens know. With the launch of a new post-Brexit immigration system, this is a critical time to change the test.

Thom Brooks draws on first-hand experience of taking the test, and interviews with key figures including past Home Secretaries, to expose the test as ineffective and a barrier to citizenship. This accessible guide offers recommendations for transforming the citizenship test into a ‘bridge to citizenship’ which fosters greater inclusion and integration.

“An important addition to literature on British citizenship which provides a much needed critique of the citizenship test.” Devyani Prabhat, University of Bristol

“Writing from personal experience of the citizenship test and from deep expertise in its development and shortcomings, Professor Brooks provides a welcome and constructive critique of what he demonstrates to have become a dysfunctional institution. This is a timely book with a compelling reforming message and clear proposals to change things for the better.” Arthur Chapman, University College London

Thom Brooks is the Dean of Durham Law School at Durham University.

1. A Bad Pub Quiz

2. Why Test for Citizenship?

3. A New Beginning

4. Not Learning from Mistakes

5. From Trivia to Trivial

6. Building Bridges and a Better Test

7. Conclusion and Recommendations