News

Primary school applications drop 5 per cent in pandemic

Primary school applications fell by 5.1 per cent this year, which the government said could be in part due…

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth
News

More than 1 in 5 pupils on free school meals after Covid surge

More than one in five pupils are now eligible for free school meals (FSM) following a steep rise during…

James Carr
James Carr
News

DfE to unveil vision for schools, and 4 other things we learned from Gavin Williamson at the Festival of Education

Gavin Williamson has pledged to set out a “broader vision” for the school system later this year. The education…

Freddie Whittaker
Freddie Whittaker
News

Speed read: ‘Academy trust handbook’ 2021 published as DfE rebrands key guide

The DfE has rebranded the academies financial handbook as the academy trust handbook, with ministers dubbing the latest edition…

Tom Belger
Tom Belger
News

Ex-Ofqual chair: ‘Gross miscalculation’ caused 2020 exams fiasco

Last year’s exams fiasco resulted from a “gross miscalculation about what was a reasonable and acceptable way to treat…

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth
News

Williamson announces autumn 2021 phonics screening check

An autumn phonics screening check will take place again this year, the education secretary has announced. Gavin Williamson told…

Freddie Whittaker
Freddie Whittaker


Ofsted, SEND

Ofsted plans expansion of area SEND inspections to include all pupils in AP

Ofsted plans to “broaden the scope” of its area SEND inspections to look at support for all pupils in…

James Carr
James Carr
News

What teachers said in response to Pearson’s survey on the future of exams

Eight of out ten teachers believe high stakes exams should be taken throughout the year, and most want more…

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth
News

Education secretary to open Festival of Education 2021: how to watch

Education secretary Gavin Williamson will open the Festival of Education today, kickstarting the two-week long virtual event. The festival…

John Dickens
John Dickens
News

Consider holding proms outdoors, DfE tells schools after ‘Freedom Day’ delay

The Department for Education has told schools sports day events can still go ahead – but open days and…

James Carr
James Carr
Ofsted

Spielman: Don’t ‘chop out’ safeguarding from Ofsted, give us cash to inspect it properly

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman has rejected calls to “chop out” safeguarding from Ofsted’s remit, and said the watchdog could…

Freddie Whittaker
Freddie Whittaker
News

2021 grade appeals have ‘very high’ threshold to meet, says Ofqual chief

Appeals to exam boards over grades issued this summer will have a “very high” threshold to meet, and there…

Samantha Booth
Samantha Booth