Biggest trust boss doesn’t believe all schools must join multi-academy trusts ‘Take your time’ over decisions about moving into trusts, United Learning boss tells standalone schools
Government withholds SEND bailouts as councils told to fill £269m hole Some DfE bailout payments were delayed as councils failed to hit agreed targets, while all councils are being told to plug deficits ‘now’
Ofsted warns new ‘coasting schools’ powers could fuel ‘quick fixes’ DfE will plough on with ordering more schools to academise or join new trusts, despite fears reforms will hit recruitment and discourage trusts from taking on schools
1 in 3 teachers says year 9s don’t get regular music lessons Poll also shows 2 in 5 primary pupils lack access to free instrument teaching as DfE sets out new music education plan
Middlesbrough gets help to tackle absences Tackling persistent absence has become a key priority for ministers after rates soared during the pandemic
Ofqual chief admits exam board mistakes caused ‘distress’ Chief regulator Jo Saxton also told school leaders handwriting is ‘here to stay’, and warn they face worse results than 2021
Long Covid affects 1 in 20 secondary pupils, study suggests Pupils with symptoms 12 weeks or more after getting Covid are also more likely to suffer mental health problems
DfE wants schools to find £1bn savings to cover rising bills The DfE also vowed to help schools cut energy and water use, fund more finance training and improve flood and crime defences
Schools brace for Covid exams disruption as pupil anxiety rises Invigilator shortages, requests to sit exams in separate rooms and Covid infections cause major headache for heads, says union