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
Monday
17th Nov 2025
Reform deputy says pupils wearing ear defenders in class is ‘insane’
Reform’s deputy leader claims there is ‘over-diagnosis’ of neurodiverse conditions, appearing at an event where a former Ofsted chief says dyslexia just means ‘bad at reading’
Budget 2025: What schools need from Rachel Reeves
With the chancellor due to deliver her Budget next week, Michael Green recommends four financial priorities that would not only give schools stability but also benefit the wider economy
Will Ofsted’s new system last? I wouldn’t bet on it
With Ofsted’s new inspection framework now up and running, it will be months before we really know how well it’s working – but past experience of reform raises some alarm bells, writes this former HMI
Thursday
13th Nov 2025
Pupil absence remains ‘stubbornly high’ this year
Analysis of 2025-26 attendance rates so far shows absence levels remain similar to figures from the same time last year
Health and wellbeing ‘underpins everything’, school leaders told
The profound change happening in Scottish education makes it more important than ever to support colleagues and pupils, says outgoing SLS president
Some primaries have ‘six times’ more pupils with SEND
Uneven spread of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities puts ‘significant pressure’ on inclusive schools, warns report
SEND register decisions are a ‘mystery’, warn experts
Lack of guidance on using the SEND register leaves schools under- and over-recording pupils as needing support for special educational needs and disabilities, say leaders
Exclusive
Wednesday
12th Nov 2025
Most science teachers say school lacks capacity for triple GCSE
The government has said that schools should ensure that any student who wishes to study triple science at GCSE can do so, but concerns have been raised over a lack of teachers
Exclusive
Phillipson urged to outline how DfE will ‘co-create’ SEND reforms
Education committee chair Helen Hayes asks education secretary for ‘specific’ steps being taken to involve schools and parents in plans as ‘equal participants’