Biggest-ever academy trust merger given minister greenlight Catholic mega MAT set to become second biggest in England as bosses eye September launch
Loss of £80m low-carbon skills fund could stop schools going green Cash-strapped schools will be unable to afford bids for a wider decarbonisation scheme, consultants warn
Speech and language pilot extended, but funding is cut Early language support for every child pilot gets extension, but funding reduced despite aim to reach more children
Extra £1bn SEND funding is ‘not reaching children’ Many councils aren’t passing on the funding allocated for high needs at last year’s budget
Wi-fi scheme only for ‘stuck’ schools after levelling-up plan ditched New scheme will offer £25m worth of support to boost connectivity in the classroom – but only to RISE schools
How academy trusts are ‘caught in a trap’ on school reserves Most trusts say money has been built up to fund construction projects or to shield from financial uncertainties
Stuck schools held accountable if RISE advice falls flat The improvement divisions will instead be charged with making ‘sure delivery is happening’
Jewish school charities part of £22m cheque-cashing probe Charity Commission launches inquiry following HMRC raid on a firm in Hackney