DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Friday
7th Aug 2026
Most teachers to pay less into their pension under new plans
DfE launches consultation on cutting employee contribution rates for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme across most salary bands
Supporting pupils and having high expectations ‘not in conflict’
Students’ sense of belonging in school is strongest where teachers both support them and challenge them to ‘think hard and learn more’, according to new research
Primaries should identify pupils at risk of being Neet, says Milburn
The ‘warning signs’ that children will leave school not in education, employment or training are visible from preschool, says former health secretary who is leading a major review of the Neet issue
Thursday
6th Aug 2026
Autumn absence on the rise in England’s schools
Pupil absence increased in both school phases in the autumn term last year, official figures show, prompting calls for the government to focus on implementing its SEND reforms
Neet data justifies ‘rewiring entire education system’, says Powell
Education secretary warns that vocational studies must not play ‘second fiddle’ in schools, the week after prime minister Andy Burnham announced new technical education routes
Successful school admission appeals fall to record low
The number of appeals reaching a panel has dropped again, shows DfE data published today, as pupil numbers continue to decline
The rise of AI sets the stage for a revival of drama
The national focus on oracy to help prepare young people for the future world of work presents a huge opportunity to rethink the role of drama in our schools, says this educator