General
Thursday
Sharp rise in pupils in alternative provision amid crisis warnings
Government data shows a rise in the number of pupils at both state-funded and non-state-funded alternative provision settings in 2023-24
Teacher vacancies leap by 20% in a year
Heads’ leaders say the new figures are ‘stark evidence of the recruitment and retention crisis’
EIS president blasts lack of action on education reform
After ‘consultation upon consultation’ the Scottish government has still not given a timeline on major reforms, Paula McEwan tells union’s annual gathering
Energy spend per pupil highest in North East schools
School spending per pupil on learning resources and catering grew significantly in England over the past couple of years as schools face cost rises, finds analysis
Teacher workload mounting in Scotland, research finds
Survey of teachers for EIS union shows how much work they are doing beyond their contracted hours – and the impact this has on their lives
Next government ‘faces persistent education inequalities’
Incoming ministers will need to address the long shadow of problems facing schools caused by the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, IFS warns
Wednesday
How much will Scotland’s new inspection and qualifications bodies cost?
New figures put the cost of establishing the new bodies at anywhere from under £1 million to over £30 million in the first four years
Scottish teaching unions reject ‘unsatisfactory’ pay offer
The offer is described as falling ‘far short of expectations’ – now there is only a short window of opportunity for a pay settlement by 1 August
New education bill sets date for SQA replacement - and reveals its name
Milestone for Scottish education reform with confirmation of new qualifications agency, including ‘central’ role for teachers and students, and an independent inspection body
Tuesday
SEND reforms could make crisis worse, say experts
More funding should instead be devolved to schools, according to a SEND policy group
AI could create ‘new inequities in learning’, warns expert
AI can do ‘incredible things’ – including making learning more accessible for all pupils – but some young people could be priced out of the best tools
Next government faces ‘painful choices’ on school spending, IFS warns
‘Reweighting’ teacher compensation away from pensions and towards salaries could help with recruitment and retention, say experts
