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
Wednesday
19th Nov 2025
Breakfast clubs funding rises after schools raise concerns
The Department for Education says it has boosted funding for free school breakfast clubs by 28 per cent, after leaders warned the money was falling far short
Teaching citizenship in primary will strengthen our democracy
The UK’s attorney general explains why he welcomes curriculum reform that will make citizenship education compulsory in primary schools
Tuesday
18th Nov 2025
COBIS accreditation scheme approved in Saudi Arabia
Move welcomed by UK’s Department for Business and Trade as a positive step in the country’s international education expansion strategy
World Schools Summit: 7 insights and observations
ÌÇÐÄVlog reflects on two days of talks, debates and discussions at the education event in the United Arab Emirates
Monday
17th Nov 2025
Reform deputy says pupils wearing ear defenders in class is ‘insane’
Reform’s deputy leader claims there is ‘over-diagnosis’ of neurodiverse conditions, appearing at an event where a former Ofsted chief says dyslexia just means ‘bad at reading’
Budget 2025: What schools need from Rachel Reeves
With the chancellor due to deliver her Budget next week, Michael Green recommends four financial priorities that would not only give schools stability but also benefit the wider economy
Will Ofsted’s new system last? I wouldn’t bet on it
With Ofsted’s new inspection framework now up and running, it will be months before we really know how well it’s working – but past experience of reform raises some alarm bells, writes this former HMI
Thursday
13th Nov 2025
Pupil absence remains ‘stubbornly high’ this year
Analysis of 2025-26 attendance rates so far shows absence levels remain similar to figures from the same time last year
Health and wellbeing ‘underpins everything’, school leaders told
The profound change happening in Scottish education makes it more important than ever to support colleagues and pupils, says outgoing SLS president
Some primaries have ‘six times’ more pupils with SEND
Uneven spread of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities puts ‘significant pressure’ on inclusive schools, warns report