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
Friday
13th Jun 2025
Private schools lose court battle over VAT on fees
The High Court has given its judgement in a case that challenged the government’s introduction of VAT on independent school fees earlier this year
Uncovering 3,000 FSM pupils could bring in £3m
A MAT CEO says improvements to free school meal access are welcome but internal work at his trust shows there is a lot more to do to make the system benefit more families – and schools
Wednesday
11th Jun 2025
Free school meals to be offered to more S1-3 students
S1-3 students whose families receive the Scottish Child Payment will be eligible for free school meals in eight council areas
Times are still tight, but the Spending Review sends the right signals
The fact that education has done better in the government’s Spending Review than other departments shows a positive change in priorities, writes this MAT chief executive
Spending Review 2025: what it means for schools
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out government spending plans up to 2029. Here’s what you need to know
Ofsted delay: Sir Martyn’s and Bridget Phillipson’s letters
Read the full exchange between the Ofsted chief and the education secretary on the ‘regrettable’ and ‘disappointing’ delay in the watchdog providing its consultation response
DfE proposes changing who is included in school support staff body
The DfE is consulting on excluding certain staff – including MAT leaders – from the new School Support Staff Negotiating Body
Ofsted inspection plan delay sparks Phillipson rebuke
Education secretary tells Sir Martyn Oliver it is ‘disappointing’ that Ofsted has delayed its consultation response on changes to the inspection system – with new inspections due to start next term
Exclusive
Tuesday
10th Jun 2025
Cutting EHCPs ‘treats the symptom not cause’ of SEND crisis
A parliamentary inquiry into solving the SEND crisis heard evidence today from school leaders and research experts. Here is everything you need to know
Estelle Morris: ‘I wish I had understood the impact of resigning on others’
Our How I Lead series asks education leaders to reflect on their career, experience and leadership philosophy. This month, we talk to former education secretary and teacher Estelle Morris