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19 April 2026

Author: Nicky Phillips

Careers company rolls out its first scheme

A network of enterprise advisers from the Careers and Enterprise Company will work with schools in 28 areas from this month. The advisers, volunteers from “the world of work”, will operate directly with school and college leaders to “bridge the gap between the worlds of education and employment”. The initiative is the first to be […]

Independent schools do change lives

The abolition of the assisted places scheme and grammar system has contributed to a decline in social mobility As the headmistress of an independent girls’ secondary school, it might be reasonable to expect criticism from those who probably have never had first-hand experience of life in an independent school. But we shouldn’t shirk issues for […]

Shakespeare across the board

An education theatre company is touring a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth that uses interactive digital resources to suit a range of subjects. The company, Contender Charlie, uses pre-recorded scenes that blend multimedia technology and live performance to tell the story in a way that appeals to 9 to 13-year-olds. The production includes an education pack and […]

Go on, have a laugh

If you’ve sometimes found yourself having a chuckle at what goes on in Westminster, then be fair and give your pupils a chance to show off their jokes in the confines of parliament. The Voicebox contest, which aims to raise awareness of the fun and importance of communication, is run by The Royal College of […]

How you can get together . . .

Schools wanting to join forces to share expertise and raise standards can use new guidance produced by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the National Governors’ Association and education lawyers Browne Jacobson. Launched in the House of Commons last week, “Forming or Joining a Group of Schools: staying in control of your school’s […]

Put the students’ interests at your school’s core

Social mobility is something that all educators aim for, but there are things that you need to consider first Beware the American dream It simply isn’t true that anyone can be anything they want in life, so long as they work for it. We must encourage young people to set their goals high, but our […]

Campaigners angry after Eton-sponsored free school given £500k ‘windfall’

A council facing a £6.6 million funding shortfall to meet demand for extra school places has come under fire for handing a windfall worth almost £500,000 to a £15 million new free school. Campaigners are now threatening to take action after the Royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council decided to hand Holyport College £480,000 […]

Labour wants schools to be local

– But who will have power: local authorities, city mayors or some other regional level? – Tories say plans would deny parents’ choice and impose a straightjacket of bureaucracy The “devil will be in the detail” of Labour’s plans to bring schools back under the watch of local bodies, leading left-wing voices have said after […]

Schools offered £1,900 for bringing ex-teachers back into the job

A government drive to recruit “returner teachers” solely to English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects will give schools up to £1,900 for each person it supports into employment. Last week, the National College of Teaching and Learning (NCTL) launched a pilot scheme to encourage schools, who are already part of School Direct and SCITT schemes, to recruit […]