DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Thursday
27th Mar 2025
Unfilled primary places at highest level since records began
There were 611,000 unfilled primary places in 2023-24, DfE data shows
Ofsted backs heads who ban phones, says Oliver
Chief inspector tells parents that schools have the power to ban phones 鈥榓nd should ban them鈥�
The insurance update schools need to know about
The DfE鈥檚 risk protection arrangement scheme provides coverage for injuries at work, legal liabilities and damage to property. A lawyer explains a revision to the scheme that schools should be aware of
Schools need more targeted funding to improve attendance
Research report highlights need for more pastoral and mental health support to improve attendance
Wednesday
26th Mar 2025
MATs told to seek DfE approval for 鈥榗ontentious transactions鈥�
New guidance sets out what transactions may be considered 鈥榥ovel, contentious and repercussive鈥� amid a row over one academy trust鈥檚 plan for an alternative pension scheme
Classes 鈥榮hivering鈥� in winter and 鈥榦verheated鈥� in summer
Headteachers鈥� leaders call on the chancellor to use her spring statement to address a 拢3.6bn shortfall in funding for school buildings
Monday
24th Mar 2025
Legal action for teachers over pension valuation delay
Law firm launches action on behalf of NASUWT members, warning that some teachers have been left waiting for months for pension valuations
Government pushes back on free school meals cuts claims
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she does not 鈥榬ecognise鈥� reports claiming that ministers are considering ending universal infant free school meals
Friday
21st Mar 2025
Number of GCSE students taking 3 non-EBacc subjects halves
But new research exploring the take-up of GCSE subjects in recent years suggests the 鈥楨Bacc era鈥� could be coming to an end
Why some schools will be hit harder by planned QTS change
With the government planning a requirement for all teachers to have qualified teacher status, research shows that staff without QTS are not distributed evenly across the sector
DfE wants schools to meet six digital standards by 2030
The government has also announced a 拢25m investment to upgrade wireless networks in schools