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

Today

Ofsted recruits unpaid inspectors as part of pilot scheme
Inspectors recruited under the scheme will not get an inspection fee, with Ofsted instead contributing to their employers’ costs

Ofsted recruiting new unpaid inspectors
The missing middle: why we agreed to chair the KS3 RISE Alliance
Key stage 3 has been neglected in the drive for improvement – but now the government has launched an initiative to make it a more meaningful phase of education, write the co-chairs of the scheme
KS3 missing years
Phillipson launches KS3 commission
The Key Stage 3 Alliance will form part of the government’s universal RISE school improvement offer, education secretary tells ASCL annual conference
A picture of Bridget Phillipson
Small schools need to be central to government White Paper plans
The government’s plan for all schools to be in strong trusts is welcome – but only as a route to implementing the broader reforms the schools White Paper is calling us towards
Lego elephant
Lack of space in schools could halt inclusion drive, DfE warned
The government’s SEND plans involve thousands of pupils being taught in new ‘inclusion bases’ - but many school sites don’t have space to create them, say leaders
A lack of space in school buildings could hamper a drive to create more inclusion bases, leaders warn.
Exclusive
Minister defends ‘indefensible’ DfE hike in advertising spending
‘Serious questions’ asked after the Department for Education’s spending on marketing approaches £50 million a year – up 43 per cent since 2022-23
DfE ads and marketing spend
Risk of unfunded pay rise ‘derailing’ reforms, ASCL boss warns
Pepe Di’Iasio also tells ministers that SEND reforms will need more investment to succeed
Unfunded pay award could ‘derail’ white paper, warns ASCL chief