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14 April 2026

Author: Expert Contributor

5 things to celebrate about special educational needs provision in 2017

We all know that special educational needs provision is nowhere near where we need it to be, but that’s not to say there haven’t been moments to celebrate, writes Adam Boddison It would be easy to write a review of SEND (special educational needs and/or disabilities) in 2017 by listing all of the challenges we […]

What schools really want for Christmas

Two headteachers take their cue from Dylan Thomas in describing the Christmas gifts they would like to see for schools In his poem ‘A child’s Christmas in Wales’, Dylan Thomas compares useful presents and useless ones. This year perhaps more than ever, this has resonance as Justine Greening announces the birth of 12 opportunity areas, […]

How did politics influence education in 2017?

It’s been a less eventful year for education than 2016, but according to Natalie Perera it’s the same old story: we need more money to back the policies Last year, my review of 2016 reflected on the political transformation that brought us the Brexit vote, a new prime minister and education secretary, a new chief […]

Best education research of 2017 for schools

Having scoured the international academic journals for the best research applicable to schools in England, Stuart Kime shares his top five treasures Making decisions means engaging with information, either consciously or not. As I set about finding the shining jewels of rigour in methodological research and substantive brilliance in 2017, I couldn’t help but think […]

Schools will need funding to provide extra training for new teachers

There should be a revised three-year teacher training route, and schools should be given extra funding to provide it, argues Emma Hollis Today’s announcement about the QTS consultation is welcome – however, ‘strengthened’ QTS is not the right term. This implies that training is not strong, when actually 99% of teacher training providers are rated […]

Teachers need good CPD throughout their career

While today’s QTS consultation is welcome, we must not forget that teachers need professional development and mentoring throughout their career, notes Alison Peacock The Department for Education’s consultation on strengthening qualified teacher status and improving career progression for teachers, published today, is nothing if not wide-ranging. While the proposed changes to QTS will attract some […]

It’s up to the schools community to deliver on social mobility

The education secretary’s vision for social mobility is a strong one, says Mark Lehain – now it’s up to the schools community to get on board Greening’s plan is a definite step forward – now it’s down to us to deliver it. It was always inevitable that education secretaries after Gove were going to have […]

We’re one step closer to solving the social mobility conundrum

Today, the government published its ‘Unlocking Talent, Fulfilling Potential’ report, which echoes many of the points made by the National Association of Head Teachers in recent years, particularly the focus on early-years education. The problem is, that despite the good and improving system that we know exists, and was noted by Amanda Spielman in her […]