AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

VAT on Private School Fees: No Mass Exodus to State Sector, Says Minister

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has confirmed that newly published admissions data shows no evidence of pupils leaving independent schools for the state sector en masse since the 20% VAT charge was introduced in January 2025.

Read Summary

Policy Jun 18, 2026

Plan 2 Student Loans Explained: Tuition Fees, Maintenance Support and Repayment Debates

There is increasing scrutiny surrounding the repayment structure of Plan 2 student loans in England, which cover both tuition and maintenance costs for university students. The current system requires graduates to repay their loans once they earn above a specific threshold, though debates continue regarding the long-term sustainability and fairness of these terms.

Read Summary

Schools Jun 18, 2026

The Enrichment Gap: Deprived Schools Offer Fewer Clubs and Activities

New research reveals a stark disparity in extracurricular provision, with pupils in the most deprived schools offered significantly less choice of clubs and activities than their peers in affluent areas. The findings pose serious questions for the Department for Education's equity agenda.

Read Summary

Schools 6 hours ago

VAT on Private School Fees: No Mass Exodus to State Sector, Says Minister

Read Summary

Policy 6 hours ago

Plan 2 Student Loans Explained: Tuition Fees, Maintenance Support and Repayment Debates

Read Summary

Schools 17 hours ago

The Enrichment Gap: Deprived Schools Offer Fewer Clubs and Activities

Read Summary

More News

SEND Jun 17, 2026

Government backs calls for enhanced SEND training in early years settings

The Department for Education has supported recommendations from Parliament’s Education Committee to expand training for early years practitioners in identifying special educational needs and disabilities at the earliest opportunity.

SEND Jun 17, 2026

Education Secretary Questioned by MPs on SEND Reforms and Teacher Recruitment

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is appearing before the House of Commons Education Select Committee to answer questions on the SEND system, teacher recruitment challenges, and proposed curriculum reforms. The session provides crucial insights for local government cabinet members on upcoming national policy direction and priorities.

Policy Jun 17, 2026

Proposed GCSE requirement for student loans threatens university access and finances

Proposals to require GCSE passes for student loan eligibility could exclude approximately 30,000 prospective students annually whilst costing English universities at least £200 million per year. The policy threatens to undermine access to higher education for disadvantaged learners whilst exacerbating the financial instability already facing institutions.

Schools Jun 16, 2026

Schools' pension contributions 'very likely' to reduce following scheme revaluation

Jacqui Smith has indicated that employer contributions to the Teachers' Pension Scheme are likely to see a "considerable reduction" following a revaluation. The move could provide significant relief to school budgets currently facing severe financial pressures.

Safeguarding Jun 15, 2026

Under-16s to Be Banned from Social Media Platforms from 2027

The Prime Minister has announced that children under the age of 16 will be prohibited from accessing social media sites including Instagram, YouTube and TikTok from early 2027. The new measures will affect millions of young people and represent a significant shift in the approach to online child protection and digital safeguarding.

Safeguarding Jun 15, 2026

Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s Announced as 'Defining Moment' for Child Safety

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has announced plans to ban social media access for under-16s, describing the move as a pivotal step in protecting children from online harms. The proposed legislation, revealed in the House of Commons, aims to safeguard young people from exploitation and harmful content.

Policy Jun 15, 2026

College free meals rate equalised with schools after sector campaign

Further education colleges will receive a 5p increase in free meals funding, ending a disparity that left them with lower reimbursement rates than schools. The government decision follows sustained pressure from sector leaders who argued the previous policy disadvantaged post-16 students from low-income households.

Schools Jun 15, 2026

DfE Publishes New Enrichment Benchmarks: What Schools Need to Know

The Department for Education has released its long-awaited enrichment framework, establishing new benchmarks to help schools evaluate their extracurricular and cultural provision. The guidance aims to standardise expectations around pupil enrichment activities, ensuring all children access a broad range of experiences beyond the academic curriculum. Lead Members should note the implications for school standards and future inspection frameworks.

Policy Jun 15, 2026

Farage proposes political oversight to curb diversity programmes in FE colleges

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced intentions to appoint political monitors within further education colleges to restrict the promotion of diversity initiatives. The proposals would mark a significant intervention in FE sector governance, raising questions about institutional autonomy and the future of equality programmes in vocational education.

Schools Jun 15, 2026

Farage proposes 'political enforcers' to block diversity initiatives in schools

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to appoint politically aligned monitors to prevent schools and colleges from promoting diversity and inclusion programmes, drawing sharp criticism from education leaders who described the proposals as 'ridiculous' and 'chilling' for institutional autonomy.

Safeguarding Jun 15, 2026

Prime Minister announces social media ban for children under 16

Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the Government will prohibit social media access for children aged under 16, with measures expected to take effect later this year. The policy represents a significant intervention in digital safeguarding aimed at protecting young people from online harms.

Schools Jun 15, 2026

School Governor Food Standards Oversight Risks Governance Confusion

Consultation respondents have warned that proposals requiring school governors to oversee food standards risk conflating strategic governance with operational management. The concerns highlight potential confusion over roles and responsibilities within school leadership structures.

Children's News Feed

Categories

More News