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
Thursday
3rd Apr 2025
The quiet revolution in school improvement
‘Collaboration’ is a buzzword of the moment. Confederation of School Trusts deputy chief executive Steve Rollett says it’s good to see the policymakers catching up with practice
Pupils’ poor socioemotional skills need curriculum attention
England needs to look to nations like Portugal and Switzerland to give young people a better chance of future economic success, says NFER report author Luke Bocock
Teenagers’ socioemotional skills ‘significantly worse’ in England
Secondary students’ socioemotional skills lag behind those of their international peers but could be strengthened at school, finds research
Tuesday
1st Apr 2025
Ofsted chief rejects call for fewer inspection grades
In response to pressure to cut the proposed number of grades, Sir Martyn Oliver says he does not want schools to be told they have met a standard ‘and that’s good enough’
Adolescence is powerful TV - but why the tired teacher tropes?
Amid widespread praise for the hit Netflix show, this teacher questions why – yet again – teachers have to be portrayed in such a negative light
Would a legal win for private schools on VAT actually change anything?
Today the government will be forced to defend its policy of VAT on independent school fees in the High Court. But what will happen if the private school claimants win?
Friday
28th Mar 2025
Unions warn FM of plans to ballot over class-contact time
Teaching unions have hit out at the Scottish government’s lack of progress on cutting the time teachers spend in front of classes, and say they are being ‘shut out of negotiations’
International schools worried by US anti-diversity agenda
The Council of International Schools’ executive director reveals that the sector is also concerned about the impact of US ‘policy changes and agency cuts’
We need action to protect children from social media’s inevitable harm
Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ is a stark reminder of the dangers the internet poses to young people. Tech companies must take responsibility, says ASCL chief Pepe Di’Iasio
Will the schools bill force good academies to close?
‘Explosive’ changes to school admissions have divided education leaders. Amid warnings about school closures, a loss of parent choice and ideological battles, 91¶¶Òõ looks at the likely impact of the legislation