General
Monday
9th Feb 2026
Government to cover 90% of council SEND debts
Local authorities will be able to apply for a new High Needs Stability Grant if they get DfE approval for a local SEND reform plan
Half of RISE schools faced ‘challenges’ with supporting organisations
DfE urged to rethink which schools are targeted under its new school improvement programme after evaluation report highlights early difficulties
No need to go to Shanghai or Singapore for answers, says DfE adviser
Capacity to improve England’s schools exists within the system, and it would be better to travel to see good practice within country’s borders, says Sir Kevan Collins
DfE guidance on phones ‘insufficient’, warns union
NASUWT calls for statutory restrictions on phones in schools, saying the current government guidance exposes staff to challenges from parents
Cash-strapped councils’ spending on private special schools soars
Local authorities with the biggest SEND deficits see their spending on places in independent special schools rise by up to 58 per cent, ÌÇÐÄVlog analysis shows
Exclusive
Friday
6th Feb 2026
GLF Schools appoints new CEO from DfE
The 43-school trust will be led by Warwick Sharp, following the resignation of Julian Drinkall last May
Independent group to monitor Ofsted’s impact on heads’ wellbeing
The NAHT launches advisory group, which will include the watchdog and DfE, amid concerns over new inspection framework
Revealed: How much the biggest MATs make from investments
The largest multi-academy trusts are generating millions by investing surplus cash, but sector leader warns this must not replace core funding
Exclusive
Thursday
5th Feb 2026
‘Excellent foundation’ for languages in Scottish schools
Modest growth at Higher level offers hope amid ongoing concerns about declining popularity of languages
Academy trust reserves to plummet in next two years
Trusts face a ‘bleak outlook’ with their budgets despite a strong financial performance last year, Kreston report warns