Freddie Whittaker | Schools Week

What is going on with compulsory sex education and PSHE?

The consensus on the need for compulsory sex education has never been stronger, but it’s understandable that campaigners are impatient, says Freddie Whittaker As pressure mounts on the government to make personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and sex education compulsory in all schools, speculation is building over the form such a move could […]

Mental health first aid ‘inadequate’ in face of referral delays

The government will train a member of staff in every secondary school to identify mental health problems in pupils, but schools won’t get additional funding to treat or refer children. Theresa May has announced plans to deliver mental health “first aid” training to a staff member in every secondary school in England by 2020, but […]

East of England has highest proportion of coasting primary schools

The east of England has the highest proportion of coasting primary schools, while London and the north east have the lowest, new government figures have revealed today. Updated key stage 2 data released this morning shows that 83 of the 1,505 primary schools (6 per cent) in the eastern region are defined as ‘coasting’, making […]

Trust rapped over finances now faces losing school after Ofsted visit

An academy trust that was rapped by the government over financial mismanagement relating to its former private company sponsor faces having the funding scrapped for one of its schools after an “inadequate” Ofsted inspection. The Education Fellowship Trust has been issued with a termination warning notice relating to Wrenn School in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, by schools commissioner Martin Post. […]

PM pledges free mental health training for secondary school teachers

Every secondary school in England will get free mental health training and improved support from local health services, the prime minister has announced today. In a speech at the Charity Commission this morning, Theresa May said a new approach to tackling mental health problems would start with ensuring that children and young people “get the help and […]

Government ‘looking at’ demand for mental health counsellor in every school

A demand for mental health counsellors in every secondary school in England is being considered by the government, the public health minister Nicola Blackwood has said. Blackwood, pictured, says the government is “looking at” whether more counsellors in schools is the best option as ministers seek to address fears about the prevalence of mental health problems among young people. […]

Greening: New grammar schools are ‘shared society’ example

The government’s plan to open new grammar schools is a key policy of Theresa May’s new “shared society”, the education secretary has said. Justine Greening told the Andrew Marr show this morning that her department’s approach to expanding selection in England was an example of the government’s efforts to realise the prime minister’s new vision. […]

Religious studies allocation scuppers plans for Jewish free school

The government has rejected a bid to open a Jewish free school in London after criticising its plans to dedicate 20 per cent of learning time to faith-based education. The application from Barkai college to open a new five-form entry secondary in north-west London was thrown out by the Department for Education (DfE) after officials […]

Most council-maintained schools shouldn’t pay apprenticeship levy, ministers claim

Ministers have slapped down the Local Government Association (LGA) over calls for small schools to be “exempt” from the apprenticeship levy, claiming most should not have to pay it. The LGA, which represents local authorities across England, says small council-maintained schools should be given the “same treatment” as small academies and faith schools, which do […]