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22 May 2026

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Opinion

David Cameron has NOT built the most new schools in history

In a press release today, the Department for Education claims: “This move brings the total number of free school places created since 2010 to almost a quarter of a million, making this policy the most successful new schools programme in national history with schools being created more quickly than ever before.” Except…. There are now […]

Why aren’t teachers treated more like doctors?

After all, they both top any poll for the most trustworthy professions. Perhaps it’s because everyone knows how to teach . . . don’t they? Teachers and doctors are well-educated, hard-working public service professionals providing invaluable frontline services. Each year millions of pounds is invested in preparing tens of thousands new entrants to each profession, […]

Cybercrime: it could happen in a school near you

You must prepare for risk in the digital world. But don’t think that you must fight technology with technology; the education of staff and students is your most potent weapon against cyber criminals Schools have to deal with a huge number of risks, from fires and flooding to budget cuts and a squeeze on places. […]

Who is the right group to monitor schools?

Having increasingly ‘freed’ schools from local government, it seems they still need to be monitored. But who should do it, and how? It’s now clear that whatever form the next government takes, further expansion of the academies programme is likely to continue. Equally clear is that the frameworks within which these more autonomous schools operate […]

Fine tuning the school leadership team

Schools use the phrase “school business manager” rather than “school business leader”. It’s time that was changed As Sarah Jones pointed out recently that school business managers (SBM), with headteachers and governors, are the “trinity” of school leadership, with all three necessary to achieve outstanding and effective leadership (Schools Week, January 10) As a headteacher […]

Schools must do more than ask ‘What will you be when you grow up?’

A question people always ask when you’re growing up, is “what do you want to be when you’re older?” At the time you might have answered something like “footballer” or “pop star”. But once reality bites and you realise you probably aren’t going to end up as David Beckham or Beyoncé many adults then go […]

11 Things You Might Have Missed In Ofsted’s ‘Most Able Students’ Report

Headlines today are focusing on Ofsted’s disappointment at schools over the progress of ‘most able’ students. Having a go at schools is an easy soundbite. It gets onto tv, it gives teachers a ‘kick’, it plays well to people who feel their child’s genius isn’t adequately recognised. But the soundbite misses out the 34 pages […]

The true value of arts education

Two organisations in Norfolk have formed a partnership to make sure that the ideal environment for fostering creative education fits comfortably alongside the day-to-day running of schools It is no secret that the government is pushing hard to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools right through to university choices. No one will […]

Three ways to heal a failing school

Rapid remedial action is needed: Try a three-pronged approach of raising expectations, earning the trust of staff and prioritising student achievement Raise expectations Failing schools can be desperately sad places where weary teachers and rattled students engage in damage limitation to get through the day. A school in this state can’t be coaxed to health; […]