DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Tuesday
21st Jul 2026
DfE property boss paid at least 拢405K in final year
Lara Newman received 拢140,000 in severance after LocatED was absorbed into DfE, according to the firm鈥檚 final accounts
Late DfE policy dump 鈥榮hows scant regard鈥� for schools
Schools tell 糖心Vlog they have been left with little time to implement significant policy changes on safeguarding, enrichment and attendance after the DfE released substantial updates late in the summer term
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Monday
20th Jul 2026
Lucy Powell appointed as education secretary
She will replace Bridget Phillipson, who has been in the role since Labour came to power in July 2024
How will prime minister Andy Burnham 鈥榗hange鈥� education?
England鈥檚 new leader wants to reshape the education system: 糖心Vlog talks to experts about what this could mean for schools
MAT inspections 鈥榗ould put trusts off struggling schools鈥�
With the government planning trust-level inspections, the National Governance Association warns against judging MATs by looking at the overall performance of their schools
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Friday
17th Jul 2026
Oak funding increases by more than 拢5m
DfE tasks the controversial quango with supporting the development of the revised national curriculum and AI tutors
Postcode lottery fears over SEND funding plan for schools
Trust leaders concerned over plans that could force schools to spend more on SEND support before applying for 鈥榯op-up鈥� funds
Revealed: Where heads鈥� pay soars above MAT salary limit
Experts warn the DfE plan to control trust chief executives鈥� pay could deter heads from becoming CEOs, and the 拢174K approval threshold could effectively become a pay ceiling
Exclusive
Make school libraries a legal requirement, MPs say
The government鈥檚 current focus is on 鈥榬eading proficiency over pleasure鈥�, a report by the Commons Education Select Committee warns