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Children's News Feed

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

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David Hughes: Colleges can reduce NEET rates with proper funding and early intervention
Policy May 28, 2026

David Hughes: Colleges can reduce NEET rates with proper funding and early intervention

David Hughes argues that further education colleges are uniquely positioned to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training, yet systemic barriers including restrictive funding rules and poor local coordination limit their impact. The article highlights the urgent need for earlier intervention and greater collaboration between colleges, local authorities and employers to prevent vulnerable learners from disengaging entirely.

Milburn Review: Schools Failing to Prepare Young People for Adulthood and Employment
Policy May 28, 2026

Milburn Review: Schools Failing to Prepare Young People for Adulthood and Employment

A damning government review led by former minister Alan Milburn has found that England’s education system is failing to adequately prepare young people for adulthood, with urgent calls for schools to be held accountable for pupil destinations. The report highlights the growing crisis of young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), warning that current accountability measures neglect the crucial transition from classroom to career.

Milburn review: Pay colleges for outcomes not headcounts
Policy May 28, 2026

Milburn review: Pay colleges for outcomes not headcounts

An interim review led by Alan Milburn has recommended overhauling how further education colleges are funded, shifting from payments based on enrolment and course completion to rewarding institutions that successfully help young people secure employment. The findings highlight concerns that the current post-16 system prioritises headcounts over meaningful preparation for the workforce, particularly for those at risk of becoming NEET.

Waltham Forest Teacher Strikes Close Schools and Divide Parents
Schools May 28, 2026

Waltham Forest Teacher Strikes Close Schools and Divide Parents

Industrial action by National Education Union members has closed primary schools across Waltham Forest, including South Grove Primary, leaving parents divided over the disruption to their children's education. The strikes reflect ongoing disputes over pay and conditions, with further action planned across the east London borough.

NEET numbers could hit 1.25 million within five years, landmark review warns
Policy May 27, 2026

NEET numbers could hit 1.25 million within five years, landmark review warns

An independent review led by Alan Milburn warns that the number of young people not in education, employment or training could rise to 1.25 million within five years without urgent reforms. The findings call for fundamental changes across education, health and employment systems to prevent a generation of young people facing long-term economic exclusion.

Treasury Inquiry Reveals Widespread Confusion Over Student Loan Terms
Policy May 27, 2026

Treasury Inquiry Reveals Widespread Confusion Over Student Loan Terms

A Treasury inquiry into student loan plans in England has found that many students did not understand the terms and conditions of their borrowing. The investigation is examining whether current repayment terms are "reasonable" for graduates as they enter the workforce.