Skip to content
25 April 2026

Become a member today for unlimited access to Schools Week

Enjoy expert journalism on schools policy with fewer ads and exclusive benefits
subscribe

Opinion

Extracurricular doesn’t count as ‘broad and balanced’

There have been two recent government announcements on funding for arts activities in schools. But their extracurricular nature leaves some students out in the cold, argues Anita Kerwin-Nye Alexander is 11. He has autism and is in a special unit at a mainstream school. He is an exceptionally talented musician and this year he led […]

A simple guide to the next wave of free school applications

Wave 13 of the free schools applications opened today. Mark Lehain explains how it differs from previous rounds The next wave of free school applications announced today will be quite different to the ones that have gone before – so if you are remotely interested in the policy or maybe even bidding yourself, it’s worth […]

The government must not allow segregated faith schools in through the back door

The cap on religious selection at faith schools may not have been lifted but the war isn’t over, writes Andrew Copson; the new voluntary-aided faith schools will still be harmful The government’s U-turn on removing the 50-per-cent cap on religious selection at new faith schools, is a victory for fairness and inclusion in our state education […]

Teachers are the best careers advisors

When did you first decide an academic school subject wasn’t for you? Perhaps it was the day everyone laughed at your French accent? Or when the English teacher made you read Catcher in the rye? (You have my sympathy – that boy needs to get over himself). Mine was in during a physics lesson on […]

The mental health reforms must do more to support schools

The government’s plans to help children and young people’s mental health are welcome in spirit, writes Robert Halfon, but they don’t go nearly far enough in numerous serious ways Half of all mental health conditions first occur by the age of 14, and according to the most recent available data, one in 10 children have […]

How should progress be measured in a special school?

Special schools aren’t just a watered-down version of mainstream schools, and require progress measures that provide meaningful information for students, parents and the government, argues Sabrina Hobbs As many mainstream schools are still finding their way through life beyond levels, special schools are dealing with a similar scenario of their own. Our old system of […]

Teacher supply agency fees are justified

Teacher recruitment agencies play a vital role in short-notice school staffing, argues Samantha Hurley, who says they deserve to charge for the service Headteachers have the freedom to recruit directly should they wish to. However, the reality is that many rely on the skills, experience and networks of professional recruiters to ensure that classes have […]

The careers consultation will make teachers’ lives better at every stage

The government’s response to the career progression consultation is full of thoughtful ideas and welcome suggestions, but more funding is still necessary, writes Dame Alison Peacock At the Chartered College of Teaching, we hear every day from our members about the fantastic work they are doing and the challenges they face. If our profession is to […]

It’s time to end exploitative supply agency fees

The fees charged by agencies that provide schools with supply teachers are becoming untenable. Stephen Tierney has some simple, practical advice which could save heads a packet Squeezed budgets combined with a tight labour market means that teacher supply agencies are having a field day at schools’ expense right now. The ethical problem here is […]