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
12th Dec 2025
Safeguarding review on ‘zero tolerance’ sparks national row
Hackney safeguarding chair will write to the education secretary to voice concerns over criticism of the review from DfE behaviour ambassador Tom Bennett
Exclusive
Can per-pupil funding keep schools afloat as rolls plummet?
Demographic decline is squeezing school budgets and forcing political choices. Is it time to rethink the way schools are funded?
Don’t overestimate resource base savings, heads warn Labour
Leaders question education secretary’s suggestion that creating more specialist places in mainstream schools will address SEND cost pressures outlined in Budget
Thursday
11th Dec 2025
£3bn for mainstream SEND places, but special free schools face uncertainty
DfE announces plans to create 50,000 new specialist places but up to 77 free school projects could be replaced, with councils getting funding instead
Plan to deliver 6,500 more teachers delayed
Government had aimed to publish its plan to fulfil its manifesto promise by the end of the year – but now tells ÌÇÐÄVlog this will be released along with its White Paper
Exclusive
SEND appeals hit record high
The latest data shows that 99 per cent of SEND tribunal cases found in parents’ favour, as the government sets out its aims for SEND reforms
School deficits rise by a third in a year
The balance held by local authority-maintained schools in deficit has dropped more than £90m further into the red, government data shows
Friday
5th Dec 2025
Urgent task force needed to monitor international recruits, IOP warns
Call for support comes as latest initial teacher training data shows international entrants for physics rising by more than two-thirds
Exclusive
Revealed: how RISE money is being spent
Nearly £19 million has already been spent on the government’s school improvement plan – but there are concerns over where the rest will come from
Exclusive
What do alternative provision leaders want from the White Paper?
AP doesn’t just need to be expanded – it needs to be refocused, say leaders ahead of upcoming reforms