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

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MPs: Student loans 'mis-sold' via phone contract comparisons
Policy Jul 6, 2026

MPs: Student loans 'mis-sold' via phone contract comparisons

Students were not adequately informed that their loan terms could be altered retrospectively, according to a new parliamentary report. The committee found that comparing student finance to mobile phone contracts failed to convey the reality that repayment conditions could change after graduation.

World Cup Victory Leads to 300,000 Pupil Absences in England Schools
Schools Jul 6, 2026

World Cup Victory Leads to 300,000 Pupil Absences in England Schools

Initial attendance figures reveal approximately 332,000 fewer children attended school on Monday following England's 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico. The drop of more than three percentage points came after England manager Thomas Tuchel encouraged parents to let children watch the historic late-night match.

Government Launches Early Years Funding Consultation as Sector Warns of Underfunding
Policy Jul 6, 2026

Government Launches Early Years Funding Consultation as Sector Warns of Underfunding

The Government has published its consultation on early years funding, proposing changes to the national funding formula for three and four-year-olds and a minimum funding floor for younger children. Early years providers argue the reforms fail to address the systemic underfunding threatening the stability of childcare provision across local authorities.

Language Learning Could Slow Brain Ageing by 13 Years, Study Finds
Education Jul 6, 2026

Language Learning Could Slow Brain Ageing by 13 Years, Study Finds

Speaking multiple languages could keep your brain up to 13 years younger, according to new research being presented in Barcelona. The study found bilingual brains appear around six years younger than monolingual ones, with benefits increasing the more languages you speak and the earlier you start.

Renowned autism researcher regrets 'extreme male brain' terminology
SEND Jul 5, 2026

Renowned autism researcher regrets 'extreme male brain' terminology

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen has stated that his 'extreme male brain' theory of autism has been misunderstood and the terminology is unhelpful. He challenges the myth that autistic people lack empathy, clarifying that the condition involves a tendency towards systemising over empathising. The revised understanding has significant implications for how education and care professionals support neurodivergent children.

University Language Course Cuts Threaten Social Mobility, Warn Experts
Education Jul 5, 2026

University Language Course Cuts Threaten Social Mobility, Warn Experts

Leading academics and former education secretaries have warned that sweeping cuts to language degrees at Russell Group universities risk undermining social mobility for working-class pupils. The redundancies at the University of Exeter and proposed axing of language courses at Nottingham come amid falling exam entries and growing concerns about the UK's vocational skills pipeline.

Ofsted withdraws 'offensive' guidance linking autism with extremism following campaign
SEND Jul 5, 2026

Ofsted withdraws 'offensive' guidance linking autism with extremism following campaign

Ofsted has removed training materials that inappropriately associated autistic children with extremism risks following criticism from campaigners including presenter Chris Packham. The education watchdog confirmed that updated inspector guidance no longer references autism after concerns were raised about discriminatory safeguarding practices.

Disadvantaged White Pupils Face Severe Reading Gap at Primary School Transition
Education Jul 4, 2026

Disadvantaged White Pupils Face Severe Reading Gap at Primary School Transition

New analysis reveals that one-third of disadvantaged white pupils in England leave primary school unable to read well enough to access the secondary curriculum. The findings highlight significant attainment gaps compared to peers from other ethnic backgrounds and wealthier counterparts, contributing to rising disengagement and school absence.

UK Government Axes £45m Overseas Higher Education Programme for Women and Girls
Policy Jul 4, 2026

UK Government Axes £45m Overseas Higher Education Programme for Women and Girls

The Strengthening Higher Education for Female Empowerment (SHEFE) programme, which aimed to support one million women and girls across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, has been cancelled just two years after its launch. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has withdrawn the tender for the scheme amid wider aid budget cuts, ending the initiative designed to improve access to higher education for female students worldwide.