Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Tuesday
10th Mar 2026
DfE estimates of schools’ costs ‘disingenuous’
Leaders say the government’s claim that schools can afford teacher pay rises ignores their growing costs, including the prospect of energy price hikes due to the Middle East conflict
Exclusive
Why Uta Frith is wrong about girls and autism
Don’t dismiss the female presentation in the rethinking of the autistic spectrum, argues Dr Sue Franklin
What if... setting by ability was banned in schools?
As part of our thought experiment series, David Hatchett argues that banning setting in schools would greatly enhance outcomes for students and the skillsets of teachers
Monday
9th Mar 2026
How a small change to the English curriculum could cut teacher workload
Tweaking the requirement for GCSE students to read a 19th-century novel could add diversity while maintaining rigour and reducing teacher workload, argues Robert Eaglestone
What a South Korean mayor’s visit to UK private schools reveals
Demand for international schools is changing how countries are enticing schools to their shores, with British private brands well placed to benefit
Friday
6th Mar 2026
On-screen exams could widen disadvantage gap, EEF warns
Education Endowment Foundation says the introduction of digital assessment must not have a ‘detrimental impact’ on disadvantaged students, in its response to Ofqual consultation
Ofsted rejects 1 in 5 inspection deferral requests
Watchdog figures show 621 school inspections were deferred in 2024-25 and a further 37 were paused
Primary libraries pledge includes converted cloakrooms and corridors
Treasury has committed to ensuring that every primary school has a library by 2029, but these facilities could include former ‘storage spaces’, 91¶¶Òõ can reveal
Exclusive
School buildings should not be bargaining chips
A long-standing international school in Poland faces an uncertain future due to a lease issue. Its head explains why a school cannot be seen as just an economic asset
£1.6bn SEND pot risks being ‘swallowed up’, leaders warn
Flagship fund to improve inclusion in mainstream schools ‘won’t go very far at all’, and a clear national strategy is needed on how to use it, government is told
Exclusive
How we made enrichment part of the timetable
Want pupils to have more time for learning beyond the curriculum? Then you have to ensure it’s part of the school day, say these two trust leaders