Opinion | Schools Week

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

Sexual abuse

Not all children entitled to free school meals will receive pupil premium funding next year.

Schools must be prepared for pupil-on-pupil sexual assault

It’s an uncomfortable subject for many, but a recent court case has highlighted the need for schools to have…

Expert Contributor

EMMA BANISTER DEAN

Opinion

The science of dyslexia isn’t as straightforward as politicians seem to think

Our teachers are seriously overworked even without catering for special needs diets, says Tom Burkard Earlier this year, Warwickshire…

Expert Contributor

TOM BURKARD

Must Read

Opinion

Why digital transformation must be a priority for schools in 2026

AI tools to improve teaching, workloads, admin and pupil results are all here – the challenge is to implement…

Freddie Whittaker

Chris Thackray

Opinion

First 16-year-old voters are already political, but they need schools’ support

Teenagers who will vote in 2029 are forming views without the structure or understanding schools should provide

Freddie Whittaker

Katie Carr

Opinion

Forget the buzzword bingo, here’s how schools can get belonging right

Children show us belonging is simple. If we see them, hear them, know them and accept them for who…

Freddie Whittaker

Anthony Benedict

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

University clearing: How teachers can support students

All the important details school staff need to help youngsters through clearing this year

John Dickens

5mo

Sam Sykes

5mo

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

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