Skip to content
26 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

‘Rigour’ mortis for Gove GCSEs?

In November 2013, Michael Gove reminded us the Coalition had “outlined plans for changes to GCSE qualifications designed to address the grade inflation, dumbing down and loss of rigour in those examinations”. “Rigour” was Gove’s watchword. More rigorous exams in English and Maths would be first examined in 2017. This meant teachers had to be […]

Eight key principles to help boost pupils’ mental health

Schools that help their pupils to be mentally healthy give children and young people the opportunity to get the most out of their education and to prepare for adult life. It also means that they get off to a good start as they can better cope with the stresses and strains they might face in […]

The reality of school funding cuts

We may know who will govern the country for the next five years, but the detail of education funding under a Conservative administration remains opaque David Cameron has called for greater efficiency and lean management in public bodies, a call that signals a strong intent to make further cuts to public services. In their pre-election […]

Why there is an ‘invisible’ quality to education

There is much more behind an academic grade than a child’s computational capacity or his mastery of the 3Rs (to receive, remember and regurgitate) on a given day. It also includes his character traits and attitudes to learning, his creativity, his motivation, his levels of curiosity Many elements of teaching and learning remain hidden. The […]

Taking control of our own development

The future challenges of the education system almost all revolve around capacity. How will we create enough school places, attract and retain good teachers and encourage bold leaders? All in a period of budget cuts, growing pupil numbers and recruitment difficulties. There is a serious risk of governments – and the profession if it responds […]

“School-to-school support is more important than ever”

In Nicky Morgan’s first major announcement since the election, the education secretary has declared she would accelerate plans to “revolutionise” state schools, with tough new measures to sack underperforming headteachers. Although addressing the failings of schools is important; care and attention should be given to ensure schools receive the best chance of survival. If we […]

Let’s take a deep breath and make changes

A Conservative government with Nicky Morgan as secretary of state gives some chance of stability to allow schools to implement changes already in the pipeline In the National Governors’ Association (NGA) manifesto published a year ago we called for a period of stability, the most called-for request by our members – governors and trustees across […]

Why Morgan’s plan to fire heads of ‘coasting schools’ relies on imaginary people

So, what does the government’s new ‘coasting schools’ plan actually involve? Things we know: – As soon as a school is identified as ‘failing’ the Regional School Commissioner will intervene immediately. – If the school does not have a ‘credible plan or capacity’ for turnaround then the government will make more moves. – Headteachers, and […]