Friday
Have schools been put into an attendance trap?
New guidance on communicating with parents about absence leaves schools with the ‘all but impossible’ task of improving attendance without being able to hold families to account, warn leaders
DfE legal costs rise by more than 50% under Labour
Increase in legal costs is likely due to the government introducing contentious policies that have ‘well-funded’ opponents – such as VAT on private school fees, say experts
Why students ‘choose to lose’ - and how to stop them
The economic theory of loss aversion bias can explain why students often fear failure more than they crave the thrill of success, but the right story can counter this mindset, says this leader
Thursday
AQA apologises for mistake in ‘all versions’ of GCSE science paper
In correspondence seen by ÌÇÐÄVlog, England’s largest exam board tells exams officers it has reported the issue to Ofqual and will ensure no students are disadvantaged
DfE proposes early years training shake-up
Government is consulting on two options for redesigning early years training so it leads to Qualified Teacher Status
Spare school places hit record high
The number of spare primary and secondary places across England has increased by 15 per cent since 2023-24
5 questions schools need answered on the social media ban
The government has announced that under-16s will be banned from several social media platforms from next spring. But for schools, there are still questions about how this will work
MPs launch inquiry into Labour’s school reform plans
Committee will scrutinise DfE’s teacher recruitment targets and plans to reform accountability measures and narrow the disadvantage gap
How heads can lead on anti-racism in Scotland’s schools
A professional learning programme from School Leaders Scotland will address issues including disinformation, racism and misogyny
Schools self-funding their building work is ‘wholly unrealistic’
NASUWT chief Matt Wrack lists the problems with the idea that schools could hire out facilities to fund essential refurbishment of their buildings
Don’t just recruit leaders - find them among your students
A senior leader explains how his trust has created an apprenticeship pathway to encourage school leavers into roles that put them on a route to leadership – in teaching and other key functions
How much cash can schools really save from DfE buying scheme?
The Maximising Value for Pupils programme claims it can help schools save thousands by reducing their bills, but leaders warn the benefits are ‘marginal’
