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
14th Jul 2026
Fears about digital exams don’t ‘stack up’, says AQA boss
Despite recent high-profile problems with traditional pen-and-paper exams, the CEO of England’s biggest exam board tells 91¶¶Òõ that there should be more urgency in introducing on-screen assessment
Exclusive
How the GLD target could hide a growing early years divide
The early years disadvantage gap is at its widest since 2014, research shows, raising questions about whose progress getting 75 per cent of children to a good level of development will rely on
Monday
13th Jul 2026
Unions gauge support for industrial action over teacher pay
Teachers and leaders to be polled on action as findings reveal anger over next year’s 3.5 per cent pay award
Exclusive
What can England learn from other countries trying to fix SEND?
A recent DfE roundtable discussion brought together representatives from five countries to share their experiences of SEND reform. Ellie Harris and Loic Menzies explain some of the key takeaways
Friday
10th Jul 2026
School leaders ‘nervous’ about new sports network
DfE announces delay to the sports partnership network that will replace the PE and sport premium, but says primary schools will receive more transitional funding
Medical guidance published by heads’ union amid safety fears
The NAHT has published medical support guidance to help school leaders identify unsafe practices and challenge unreasonable expectations
Thursday
9th Jul 2026
Almost 1 in 5 pupils off school at peak of heatwave
Schools in England had the highest daily absence rate so far during the 2025-26 academic year in June, when temperatures reached 37.7C
Suspensions and exclusions data: sanctions for pupils with EHCPs rise
Suspensions and permanent exclusions have reduced nationally for the first time since the pandemic, but suspensions are up in primary and for pupils with education, health and care plans
Bridget Phillipson: Support body will end staff pay inequality
The education secretary writes for 91¶¶Òõ to explain why she hopes new anti-bullying guidance and a negotiating body for support staff will have a real impact for all those in schools
The MAT CEO pay cap is a watershed moment - but it’s risky
The government is right to tighten oversight of trust executive pay, but the policy must not lead to approval bottlenecks or battles between MATs and ministers, says NGA’s Sam Henson
Wednesday
8th Jul 2026
KCSIE changes for 2026: what you need to know
Updated safeguarding guidance has now been published, with schools expected to be fully compliant by 1 September
Experts play down DfE role in teacher workforce recovery
The Department for Education has engineered ‘very little’ of a recovery in the teacher workforce, with factors beyond the government’s control playing a big part, says EPI