DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Friday
17th Jul 2026
Revealed: Where heads’ pay soars above MAT salary limit
Experts warn the DfE plan to control trust chief executives’ pay could deter heads from becoming CEOs, and the £174K approval threshold could effectively become a pay ceiling
Exclusive
Make school libraries a legal requirement, MPs say
The government’s current focus is on ‘reading proficiency over pleasure’, a report by the Commons Education Select Committee warns
Thursday
16th Jul 2026
Revealed: The trusts DfE has questioned over CEO pay
Government publishes the names of academy trusts it has contacted to demand evidence over pay decisions
NEU to launch formal strike ballot over funding and pay
The union’s decision comes after it was revealed that schools will have to fund half of next year’s teacher pay rise themselves
Exclusive
DfE warns drop in pupil numbers will be sharper than expected
Primary school rolls are now predicted to shrink by almost half a million over five years, and the fall in secondary numbers will be twice as steep as previously forecast
Sats results 2026: 63% meet expected standard
The delayed national key stage 2 assessment results show attainment has improved or remained stable in all subjects compared with last year
DfE removes Penta as BSO inspectorate after critical Ofsted reports
Association of British Schools Overseas welcomes the decision that it says ensures the integrity of the government kitemark is protected
Dame Christine Gilbert to lead review into Sats failings
DfE announces review on the day that delayed key stage 2 Sats results are due to be released
Exclusive
How Andy Burnham can take social media policy forward
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede reflects on how a new prime minister can take on social media legislation and ensure it truly delivers for schools
Can experts at hand really make a difference?
The government’s £1.8bn plan to give mainstream schools expert support for inclusion is a key part of its SEND reforms. But leaders warn there are major obstacles in making the scheme a success
Wednesday
15th Jul 2026
Academy Trust Handbook 2026: what’s new?
The DfE publishes its updated guidance for academy trusts – but gives trusts an extra month to implement the changes
Most primary schools post pictures of pupils on social mediaÂ
However, over a quarter of primaries and one in five secondaries plan to change their picture-sharing policies in the near future, with fears raised over AI deepfakes and extortion
Exclusive