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16 April 2026

Tag: ASCL

What does an ethical code for school leaders look like?

Carolyn Roberts outlines what an ethical leadership code might look like and why it is needed The Association of School and College Leaders is launching a year-long project to develop a code of ethical leadership. Between this year’s ASCL annual conference, which opens next Friday in Birmingham, and next year’s conference, we will invite experts […]

Barton succeeds in challenge for ASCL post

School leaders face a landmark decision that will shape the future direction of their union as either a professional association or campaigning force after a headteacher won the right to challenge the leadership favourite. Head Geoff Barton (pictured left) will challenge Chris Kirk (pictured right), an education consultant, for the top job in the Association […]

Ofsted quietly ditches good practice case studies

Ofsted has abandoned its policy of publishing good practice to help to dispel myths that it insists on “prescribed methods of teaching and learning”. The watchdog launched a dedicated webpage in 2010 on which it routinely published examples of good practice found during school visits. However, the page has not been updated since September last […]

PFI must not be put into the ‘too difficult’ drawer

PFI contracts can work, says Julia Harnden, but they also can have a negative impact on school finances PFI is an acronym that has caused huge controversy. The private finance initiative has transformed the social infrastructure of the UK, enabling arguably the biggest investment in schools, hospitals and other public projects since the Victorian era. […]

A lack of fluent thinking

There are not enough teachers to teach the mandatory Ebacc modern foreign language. In the spirit of détente, Leora Cruddas puts forward three steps that could bridge the gap Bonjour. Guten Tag. Buenos dias. Welcome to the future of foreign language teaching. It is a future that will be shaped by the government’s aim that […]

Schools must not miss out on women leaders

There is inequity in school leadership, particularly at secondary level where men outnumber women almost two to one. An equalities network set up by ASCL is aiming to redress the balance Women significantly outnumber men in teaching, except when it comes to secondary headship where the reverse is true. This is not new, but progress […]

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO UNLEASH GREATNESS IN OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM

For too long the relationship between government and the teaching profession has been strained. Ministers have imposed frequent changes to curriculum, assessment and accountability, leaving school leaders and teachers to manage constantly moving goalposts. Their aim may have been to raise standards, something with which we would all agree. However, their approach – of micro-management […]