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
Tuesday
7th Oct 2025
DfE removes funding for IB Diploma in state schools
International Baccalaureate decries 鈥榙eeply disheartening鈥� 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鈥� 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鈥� 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
Friday
3rd Oct 2025
Labour seeks 鈥榗lear鈥� mobile phones ban in Scottish schools
Scottish ministers accused of 鈥榩assing the buck鈥� on mobile phones by putting the onus on headteachers to take a stance
Heads less likely than class teachers to back Year 8 reading test
Support among school staff for the government鈥檚 reported plan to introduce a new mandatory reading test varies depending on stage of career, a poll shows
The next few months will define Labour鈥檚 record on education
After a Labour conference short on policy details, we can soon expect big decisions that will shape the future of education 鈥� so hold on to your hats, says ASCL chief Pepe Di鈥橧asio
Racial inclusion 鈥榝alls off鈥� the education agenda, says Longfield
The inclusion taskforce member calls on the DfE to make anti-racism a 鈥榢ey priority鈥�, warning that Black children can feel 鈥榰nsafe and over-policed鈥� at school
Exclusive
SEND spending set to exceed 拢20bn amid surge in support
Spending on EHCPs and child disability benefits will rise sharply this decade, the IFS predicts, as the government prepares to set out reforms
Thursday
2nd Oct 2025
MATs worried about 鈥榓ccelerating decay鈥� of school estates
A new report from the Queen Street Group reveals the issues occupying the minds of multi-academy trust bosses 鈥� including the need to invest in better school site security
Government urged to plan to keep schools open in future pandemics
Baroness Anne Longfield tells Covid inquiry that the government owes children a formal apology for mistakes during pandemic