DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Yesterday
31st Jul 2026
New careers service delayed while officials weigh up PM’s ‘priorities’
Updated careers support and guidance for schools has been delayed, 91¶¶Òõ can reveal, despite a recent inquiry highlighting the crisis of young people not in employment, education or training
Exclusive
School attendance improvement stalls for first time since Covid
While the June heatwave was a factor, no meaningful improvements in attendance were made during the rest of the year, finds FFT analysis
Could UTCs provide a blueprint for new technical education routes?
A new vision for technical education has been announced by the Burnham government – but could it build on the existing example of university technical colleges?
4 proposed safeguarding changes that could impact schools
The government’s decision to run a safeguarding consultation over the summer is frustrating for school leaders and safeguarding leads – but at least the proposals offer plenty of positives, says Luke Ramsden
Thursday
30th Jul 2026
How many school students already take vocational qualifications?Â
With Andy Burnham announcing new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds from 2028, 91¶¶Òõ looks at how many students currently enter vocational studies in their early teens
‘Rushed’ RISE improvement plans concern ‘many’ heads
Latest DfE review of RISE school improvement programme finds there is a clearer understanding of advisers’ roles and better communication – but worries persist over timeframes for drafting plans
Big drop reported in grant funding for academy transfers
Government data shows a sharp dip in grant support for schools switching between academy trusts after DfE funding changes
Only 7 in 10 teacher trainees employed in state schools
The proportion of postgraduate trainees working in state schools is lower than previous years, official data from 2024-25 cohort shows
Wednesday
29th Jul 2026
School leaders affected by another DfE data leak
Department for Education insists it took ‘swift action’ after a major incident involving sensitive data, with school leaders among those affected
Revealed: No air conditioning in a third of schools
The exclusive findings come after record-high temperatures were recorded before schools broke up for the summer holidays
Exclusive
Tuesday
28th Jul 2026
Technical pathways plan: 7 lessons from failed 14-19 Diplomas
Responding to Andy Burnham’s announcement about new technical education pathways, a former civil servant who worked on 14-19 reforms reflects on the challenges that caused the collapse of Diplomas
Isolated school students ‘at higher risk of becoming Neet’
Schools are ‘well-placed’ to identify teenagers who are becoming isolated and their early intervention can ‘make a real difference for a young person’s future’, say researchers