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
8th Oct 2025
Scottish teachers in strike ballot over contact time ‘dithering’
EIS union says teachers are ‘continuing to toil under excessive workload burdens’ after a wait of more than four years for the government promise of reduced contact time to be delivered
The end of English ITT bursaries sends a worrying message
The withdrawal of teacher training bursaries for English risks undermining more than just the subject itself – and it comes at a critical time, warns Sarah Mullin
Phillipson: ‘Generational reset’ for white working-class pupils
Warning that ‘school just isn’t working’ for white working-class children, the education secretary promises policy to address this is in the forthcoming Schools White Paper
Ofsted’s new focus on EAL is a step in the right direction
The inclusion of English as an additional language in the new inspection toolkit means schools need to look again at this area of provision, writes Katherine Solomon
Teachers fear SEND reforms will worsen crisis
Most teachers expect the government’s upcoming changes will have a negative impact on pupils with complex needs, YouGov survey finds
Tuesday
7th Oct 2025
DfE removes funding for IB Diploma in state schools
International Baccalaureate decries ‘deeply disheartening’ decision that it claims will affect 5,000 students but save little money
Online exams could undermine the system, warns Hinds
Former education secretary says digital exams would also be bad for pupils’ handwriting, speaking ahead of the final report from the review of curriculum and assessment
Monday
6th Oct 2025
Heads likely to support a ban on mobile phones in schools
NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman tells Conservative Party conference event that he suspects union policy will come out in favour of a ban
Tories’ education team focus on the role of alternative provision
Shadow minister Saqib Bhatti highlights the importance of AP amid concerns about the outcomes for white working-class boys