John Dickens | Schools Week

It’s coming home … and they’re staying home!

A school has promised pupils a Monday lie-in so they can stay up late and watch England make history by competing in the Euro 2020 final. The nation is firmly in the grips of football fever and the education sector is no different as England gets ready to face-off against Italy on Sunday night. Parklands […]

What Step 4 means for schools: Everything you need to know

Masks, bubbles and contact tracing are all set to end for schools when the government moves to step 4 of its Covid roadmap on July 19. The Department for Education has published guidance today. Here’s your trusty Schools Week round-up of all the important bits. 1. Bubbles are gone… From July 19, bubbles will […]

Williamson promises plan for scrapping bubbles in ‘plenty of time’ for new term

Gavin Williamson has promised schools guidance on scrapping Covid restrictions “in plenty of time” before the new term. The education secretary confirmed today that he “expects to be able to confirm plans to lift restrictions and bubbles as part of step 4″ of the government’s Covid roadmap. It’s not known when the step 4 announcement […]

Ex-recovery tsar describes government’s catch-up plan as ‘a bit feeble’

The former recovery commissioner has branded the government’s catch-up plans as “a bit feeble”, saying “we need significant greater investment than provided so far”. Questioned on the government’s response at the education committee this morning, Sir Kevan Collins said: “We know our country’s responded in a way compared to some others which, quite frankly, is […]

‘One Britain One Nation’ in schools: what’s all the fuss about?

The Department for Education has been mocked for encouraging schools to take part in a campaign that involves children singing an “anthem” that end with children repeating the line “strong Britain, great nation”. One Britain One Nation (OBON), which aims to a create a “strong, fair, harmonious and a proud British Nation”, was set up […]

Confusion and heavy lobbying forces Ofsted to ‘clarify’ Baker clause approach

Ofsted inspectors will “always” report where a school fails to comply with the Baker clause and “consider” how it affects their grade, the watchdog has clarified following mounting pressure. Yesterday, the Commons Education Select Committee recommended schools be limited to ‘requires improvement’ if they are not allowing training providers to access their pupils, as mandated […]

Baker’s back: Could schools be sued for limiting careers advice?

The architect of the Baker clause is attempting to use the Skills Bill to strengthen the law, which could lead to schools facing court action. Former education secretary Kenneth Baker hopes to repeat a move he pulled in 2017, when he got the government to accept the clause as an amendment to the Technical and […]

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 will include some of the best-known names in the education sector alongside thought-provoking debate sessions. New ‘Friday Fest’ days will also feature invaluable CPD opportunities for all education professionals. (See the full schedule here). Thanks to […]

‘No frills’ private school racks up £170k loss

The country’s first “no frills” private school – charging pupils just £60 a week – has posted a £170,000 loss in its second year of operation. The Independent Grammar School: Durham (IGSD) opened in 2018 with just six pupils. It now has 47 children on its books. New accounts for the firm behind the school, […]