Last updated: 20 Jan 2026
Frontend architecture
GOV.UK currently uses multiple systems to build frontends (HTML/CSS/JS).
Current state
Applications that serve pages for the public (everything on www.gov.uk) use:
- components and assets from govuk_publishing_components
- layout_for_public
Most admin applications use:
- govuk_admin_template, built by GOV.UK, which uses Bootstrap
New admin applications and some legacy admin applications that have been updated use:
- components and assets from govuk_publishing_components
- layout_for_admin
Long term vision
We have 2 long term goals for the frontend:
- Use the same tech for the public and admin apps
- Use as much of the GOV.UK Design System as possible