Monday
A quarter of schools offer no KS4 vocational qualifications
Teachers broadly support Andy Burnham’s plan for technical pathways, new polling shows, but the survey raises questions about schools’ capacity to increase their focus on vocational education
Technical routes could tackle an inherent tension in education
Our education system works well for many pupils, but it also leaves many behind, which is why giving vocational routes more prominence has merit, says Sir Hamid Patel
Friday
New careers service delayed while officials weigh up PM’s ‘priorities’
Updated careers support and guidance for schools has been delayed, ÌÇÐÄVlog can reveal, despite a recent inquiry highlighting the crisis of young people not in employment, education or training
School attendance improvement stalls for first time since Covid
While the June heatwave was a factor, no meaningful improvements in attendance were made during the rest of the year, finds FFT analysis
Could UTCs provide a blueprint for new technical education routes?
A new vision for technical education has been announced by the Burnham government – but could it build on the existing example of university technical colleges?
4 proposed safeguarding changes that could impact schools
The government’s decision to run a safeguarding consultation over the summer is frustrating for school leaders and safeguarding leads – but at least the proposals offer plenty of positives, says Luke Ramsden
Thursday
How many school students already take vocational qualifications?Â
With Andy Burnham announcing new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds from 2028, ÌÇÐÄVlog looks at how many students currently enter vocational studies in their early teens
‘Rushed’ RISE improvement plans concern ‘many’ heads
Latest DfE review of RISE school improvement programme finds there is a clearer understanding of advisers’ roles and better communication – but worries persist over timeframes for drafting plans
Big drop reported in grant funding for academy transfers
Government data shows a sharp dip in grant support for schools switching between academy trusts after DfE funding changes
Only 7 in 10 teacher trainees employed in state schools
The proportion of postgraduate trainees working in state schools is lower than previous years, official data from 2024-25 cohort shows
Tuesday
Technical pathways plan: 7 lessons from failed 14-19 Diplomas
Responding to Andy Burnham’s announcement about new technical education pathways, a former civil servant who worked on 14-19 reforms reflects on the challenges that caused the collapse of Diplomas
New technical routes for schools: what we do and don’t know
A huge announcement on secondary education was made by Andy Burnham last night, begging a raft of questions. We set out the answers the sector needs and the detail – where it exists – we know already
