Skip to content
9 October 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

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 […]

Damian Hinds’ changes will create an accountability revolution

The education secretary’s first great act in his new job won’t grab the headlines, but the way he’s simplified who is responsible for what in our schools will prove invaluable, writes Mark Lehain At a glance, Damian Hinds’ various announcements today could seem like mere tinkering. Given the local elections, the mainstream press will probably […]

How can we improve outcomes for excluded pupils?

Fifteen years ago I met a vicar in a bar in Oxford who had spent 20 years working in prisons with violent male offenders. He told me that the youngest ones only had two shots at turning their lives around. “Either they find Jesus, or their girlfriend gets pregnant and they suddenly get the preciousness […]

Academy trusts: don’t hide your deficits!

Schools shouldn’t try to hide their deficits, writes Phillip Reynolds, or they’ll only get into more trouble down the line. The budget forecast return outturn (BFRO) deadline is creeping up on academies, and business managers have no doubt taken advantage of the “quiet” time at school this past couple of weeks to begin working on […]