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Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

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UK school leavers and new students to be offered meningitis B vaccine
Education Jun 11, 2026

UK school leavers and new students to be offered meningitis B vaccine

One-off programme to begin in July after recent MenB outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire killed three peopleTeenagers in their final school year and young people starting university will be offered two doses of a vaccine to protect them against meningitis B, the government has announced.The one-...

Natural History GCSE Approved to Teach Biodiversity and Conservation Skills
Policy Jun 11, 2026

Natural History GCSE Approved to Teach Biodiversity and Conservation Skills

A new Natural History GCSE will teach pupils about biodiversity loss, climate change, and practical conservation skills such as planting wildflower-friendly gardens. The qualification, announced after years of campaigning and delays, will be available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Record High: 1.8 Million Pupils Now Receiving SEND Support in England
SEND Jun 11, 2026

Record High: 1.8 Million Pupils Now Receiving SEND Support in England

New figures reveal that over 1.8 million pupils in England—more than one in five—are now accessing special educational needs support. This unprecedented level highlights the mounting pressure on schools and local authorities to deliver adequate provision for children with diverse learning needs.

Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School
Education Jun 11, 2026

Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School

Global education adviser Dr Ger Graus has challenged the narrow focus on school readiness in early years education, arguing that defining the sector solely by its ability to prepare children for reception is "an insult." Speaking at the NDNA conference, Graus emphasised that early years provision must instead focus on preparing children for life itself.

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11
Schools Jun 11, 2026

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11

New research from the Education Policy Institute and Education Endowment Foundation reveals that lower prior attainment is the largest contributor to the disadvantage gap, with nearly half becoming entrenched by the time pupils transition to secondary school. The findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention during the primary years to prevent persistent inequality.

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures
Policy Jun 11, 2026

Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures

Cambridge Assessment has received a substantial penalty from Ofqual after system errors spanning two years disrupted automated tests, affecting visa and further education course applications. The regulatory action highlights significant concerns about quality assurance in high-stakes educational assessment systems.