DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Tuesday
2nd Dec 2025
MPs grill Phillipson on SEND, phones and Ofsted
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson faces Commons Education Select Committee after government Budget sparks SEND controversy
SEND: Gould to hear public’s view on national support framework
Schools minister Georgia Gould will hold a series of face-to-face public events about DfE’s planned reforms
Monday
1st Dec 2025
Over a quarter of students ‘not very motivated’ to learn, DfE finds
Just under seven in 10 secondary students surveyed said they felt they belonged in school, prompting concerns about impact on life after school
NEU to hold indicative ballot over potential strike
The teaching union warns it will take ‘whatever action necessary’ in face of school funding pressures
Friday
28th Nov 2025
5 questions for school leaders on the Budget’s implications for SEND
The Budget was light on detail on plans for SEND, but presented critical questions for school leaders. Trust leader and SEND expert Warren Carratt provides some answers
Parent allegations against teachers rise by a third
Research showing an increase in allegations highlights a ‘fraying of relationships’ between families and schools, warns parents’ charity
Exclusive
Thursday
27th Nov 2025
Most students see phones being used in class against school rules
DfE survey finds more than half of secondary school students saw mobile phones being used when not allowed at least some of the time
3 ways government could reform SEND funding, according to IFS
With SEND spending set to be absorbed by central government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies sets out where the money could come from
EYFS: Rise in Reception pupils with ‘good’ development
DfE data shows an increase in the proportion of four- and five-year-olds meeting their development targets – although results are still below pre-Covid levels
IB chief on Russia, curriculum reforms and ‘that’ UK funding cut
91¶¶Òõ chats to International Baccalaureate director-general Olli-Pekka Heinonen during a stop in London as he tries to convince the government to reinstate IB state school funding
Why international schools should seek accreditation - and 3 tips to help
One experienced leader explains the different forms of accreditation that international schools can choose – and recommends ways to make the most of the process