Thursday
NEU to launch formal strike ballot over funding and pay
The union’s decision comes after it was revealed that schools will have to fund half of next year’s teacher pay rise themselves
DfE warns drop in pupil numbers will be sharper than expected
Primary school rolls are now predicted to shrink by almost half a million over five years, and the fall in secondary numbers will be twice as steep as previously forecast
Sats results 2026: 63% meet expected standard
The delayed national key stage 2 assessment results show attainment has improved or remained stable in all subjects compared with last year
DfE removes Penta as BSO inspectorate after critical Ofsted reports
Association of British Schools Overseas welcomes the decision that it says ensures the integrity of the government kitemark is protected
Dame Christine Gilbert to lead review into Sats failings
DfE announces review on the day that delayed key stage 2 Sats results are due to be released
How Andy Burnham can take social media policy forward
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede reflects on how a new prime minister can take on social media legislation and ensure it truly delivers for schools
Can experts at hand really make a difference?
The government’s £1.8bn plan to give mainstream schools expert support for inclusion is a key part of its SEND reforms. But leaders warn there are major obstacles in making the scheme a success
Wednesday
Academy Trust Handbook 2026: what’s new?
The DfE publishes its updated guidance for academy trusts – but gives trusts an extra month to implement the changes
Most primary schools post pictures of pupils on social mediaÂ
However, over a quarter of primaries and one in five secondaries plan to change their picture-sharing policies in the near future, with fears raised over AI deepfakes and extortion
Oak lessons to warn strangulation during sex is a crime
Resources developed by Oak National Academy aim to help schools teach the revised RSHE curriculum, which comes into force in September
Tuesday
MAT to be broken up after behaviour policy backlash
Athena Learning Trust’s nine schools will transfer to other organisations after trustees acknowledge a ‘clear need for change’
Coastal schools shouldn’t be encouraging students to ‘escape’
Telling pupils in coastal communities that school is a springboard to ‘escape’ is a harmful message that deprives these towns of the very people they need to thrive, says head Hannah Carter
