Opinion | Schools Week

Opinion

Great academy sponsors can be transformational. Here’s how we can find more of them

The weakest schools will continue to fail unless we have MATs and leaders with the moral purpose ready to…

Freddie Whittaker

SIR DAVID CARTER

Opinion

Can we get some clear messaging from Ofsted on exclusions?

Ofsted is giving mixed messages to schools about exclusions, and it’s only going to push the problem underground, says…

Mark Lehain

MARK LEHAIN

Opinion

A lack of sponsors? Simple, ditch compulsory academisation

Today’s annual report by HMCI Amanda Spielman covers a lot of ground, but let’s pick up here on one…

Expert Contributor

STEPHEN ROLLETT

Opinion

Ofsted could do more to reward schools for being inclusive

Amanda Spielman can make Ofsted a force for good by ensuring that in the new framework, no school can…

Expert Contributor

ADAM BODDISON

Opinion

Ofsted’s two-in-one annual report

This year’s annual report is notable for the skilful way in which the politics was managed – although the…

Jonathan Simons

JONATHAN SIMONS

Opinion

Why is Ofsted silent on the school funding crisis?

If Ofsted is happy to rely on anecdotal evidence for off-rolling and school readiness, why does it refuse to…

Expert Contributor

PAUL WHITEMAN

Opinion

Who has the power to ban academy trustees?

Leora Cruddas explores the ethical and legal implications of removing unsuitable trustees On Wednesday last week, the Public Accounts…

Leora Cruddas

LEORA CRUDDAS

Opinion

If we don’t know when teaching interventions have failed, we’ll never improve

In theory everyone thinks it’s a good idea, but why are schools not embracing evaluation more fully when its…

Expert Contributor

STUART KIME

Opinion

How can schools be supported to take on apprentices?

Schools paying into the apprenticeship levy need advice on how to access it so they can reap its benefits…

Expert Contributor

DAVE COBB

Must Read

Opinion: Edtech

AI bias poses serious risks for learners with SEND

The promise of personalised learning masks very real risks that demand careful attention from educators and policymakers

JL Dutaut

Michael Finlay

Opinion: Curriculum

What teachers want from a reformed English GCSE

The dialogue surrounding curriculum reform in England, particularly within GCSE English, remains as essential as ever. Recent insights from…

JL Dutaut

Leandri Dannhauser

Opinion: Teaching Commission

Here’s how we can finally begin to fix the teacher supply crisis

If we’re going to hang on to more of them, then teachers need a better deal than summer respite…

JL Dutaut

Baroness Mary Bousted

ITT

Degree apprenticeships are key to increasing and diversifying recruitment

Work to deliver the new qualification should continue at pace to meet recruitment challenges by making teaching more accessible,…

JL Dutaut

Melanie Renowden

ITT

ITT: Which is the odd one out?

The deeply flawed ITT reforms are a threat to sustainable teacher supply for purely ideological purposes, writes David Spendlove

JL Dutaut

David Spendlove

EXAMS

Exams

How sitting an exam re-affirmed my respect for our students

I still believe exams to be the best way of testing academic knowledge and understanding but they’re no bagatelle,…

JL Dutaut

James Handscombe

Exams

The number of penalties handed out to students caught cheating has risen for a second year

The stereotype that could be feeding exam anxiety

The ‘snowflake’ stereotype is damaging and unjustified, but a more pervasive idea may be perpetuating exam anxiety, says Stephen…

JL Dutaut

Stephen Caldwell

Have something to say?

We’re always keen to hear from new voices. If you’ve got an opinion you want to share with the education community why not job

Comment on articles and content

Get in touch

Send your pitch to our commissioning editor.