Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Monday
9th Feb 2026
Why apprenticeships could be critical in the teacher recruitment crisis
Teaching apprenticeships have grown by 800 per cent since launch, but to reap the benefits we need more support, argues Hannah Senel-Walp
Cash-strapped councils’ spending on private special schools soars
Local authorities with the biggest SEND deficits see their spending on places in independent special schools rise by up to 58 per cent, ÌÇÐÄVlog analysis shows
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Friday
6th Feb 2026
School-readiness focus for new Best Start in Life ‘champion’
The DfE’s appointment of Sue Robb comes amid concerns that too many children are arriving in Reception lacking basic skills
Labour’s confusing communications create same old policy problems
ASCL chief Pepe Di’Iasio laments that the government seems to have learned little from the past as it continues to issue ‘policy via press release’
Can citizenship be squeezed into a ‘bursting’ primary curriculum?
Citizenship education is to become mandatory in primary schools. But how realistic is it to expect schools to fit a subject ranging from law to finances and media literacy into an already-busy timetable?
Wednesday
4th Feb 2026
Lords vote to curb new powers over academy admissions
Peers back an amendment to the government’s schools bill, despite Labour warnings that the change would leave schools victim to ‘ridiculous market forces’
School phone ban backed by Lords in government defeat
The House of Lords votes in favour of a statutory ban on phones in schools, despite the government strengthening its guidance on this issue last month
Internal suspensions guidance boosts headteacher autonomy
Amid claims that government guidance is watering down school leaders’ powers, head Sophia Haughton says the opposite is actually the case
Monday
2nd Feb 2026
Minister does not commit to transport for school breakfast clubs
In response to fears about pupils being denied access to free school breakfast clubs, early education minister Olivia Bailey would not be drawn on the likelihood of a policy change
Qualifications Scotland takes over from SQA on ‘momentous’ day
Scotland’s new national qualifications body promises a bigger role for teachers and school leaders and will review ‘all the qualifications we have in our portfolio’