DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Wednesday
26th Nov 2025
NEU weighs up strike action over ‘continued school underfunding’
England’s biggest education union warns it ‘will not accept another pay cut’ in response to today’s Budget
Budget 2025: what schools need to know
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget sparks warnings about a real-terms drop in school funding but includes spending on school libraries and books. Here are all the key details for the sector
Ofsted pauses NPQ inspections
Watchdog stops routine inspections of national professional qualifications for 2025-26, at education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s request
Friday
21st Nov 2025
Government was not prepared for ‘enormous’ task of school closures
If restrictions had been put in place sooner, then lockdown could have been shorter – or not necessary at all, Covid inquiry report also finds
Nick Gibb: Smartphones are ‘asbestos’ for children
Former schools minister also criticises the government for scrapping the EBacc performance measure, which he says will affect uptake of modern languages
Special schools fear being an ‘afterthought’ on curriculum
In response to the curriculum review, leaders in the specialist sector urge the DfE to focus more on what is taught in special schools and how best practice can be shared
Exclusive
Thursday
20th Nov 2025
Suspensions fall but remain higher than before Covid
Permanent exclusions from school have also dropped and are now similar to pre-pandemic levels, DfE figures show
SEND: Resource bases ‘can be exclusion in its worst sense’
Mainstream and AP leaders question the government’s focus on resourced provision and SEN units in its drive to create a more inclusive school system