UK
The latest news, analysis and thought leadership for UK schools
Wednesday
15th Oct 2025
Government sets 90% phonics check target
A mandatory reading test for Year 8 students will also be introduced by the end of this parliament, Bridget Phillipson confirms
New Ofsted inspections: your questions answered
After 糖心Vlog readers got in touch with some key questions about Ofsted鈥檚 new approach to inspections, Cerys Turner provides the answers
Ofsted 鈥榗onfused鈥� about school admissions role
MAT leader Jonny Uttley warns Ofsted is 鈥榬efusing鈥� to scrutinise schools that 鈥榩ush鈥� students out
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Johnson and Treasury 鈥榞ave different messages鈥� on Covid school recovery
Top official also tells the Covid inquiry of concerns about the DfE鈥檚 current ability 鈥� in the event of another pandemic 鈥� to identify which pupils have digital devices for remote learning
Severe school absence 鈥榦verstated鈥� in England
Although severe pupil absence is a growing problem since the pandemic, the scale of issue is not as bad as official DfE data suggests, according to a study
How Martyn鈥檚 Law will affect schools - and why leaders should act now
Schools will already fulfil many of the requirements of new anti-terrorism legislation for public premises but there are still important new duties to consider, says Professor Michael Green
Sami Timimi: Why 鈥榠nvented鈥� SEND labels are disabling pupils
Diagnostic labels are medicalising young people for behaviours once considered ordinary and are contributing to unsustainable workload in schools, argues psychiatrist Sami Timimi
Teacher interview tips: 6 ways to stand out
Everyone wants to make a big impression in their teacher job interview 鈥� here we ask leaders what candidates have done in the past that has really set them apart
Tuesday
14th Oct 2025
GLF Schools announces new chief education officer
Phil Humphreys takes on role at 43-school trust having previously been director of education for Lift Schools
Ofsted leaders defend report card plans to MPs
Chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver and Ofsted chair Dame Christine Gilbert face the education select committee as the finalised plans for new inspections come under scrutiny
Williamson admits 鈥榤any mistakes鈥� made in DfE Covid response
Former education secretary criticises Boris Johnson for giving 鈥榝alse hope鈥� in spring 2020 that schools would reopen
ASCL considers legal action over Ofsted report card plans
The Association of School and College Leaders has confirmed it will explore legal action against Ofsted over the impact of report cards on school leader wellbeing