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Children's News Feed

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

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Schools 1 hour ago

Calls Mount to Nationalise SATs Marking as Delays Persist

Delays in the marking of Key Stage 2 SATs have renewed calls for the nationalisation of the assessment process, with concerns growing over private contractors' ability to deliver timely results. Schools face mounting uncertainty as they await pupil scores, prompting serious debate over whether crucial national examinations should be brought back under direct government control.

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SEND 1 hour ago

Council Seeks Legal Advice Over SEND Bailout Calculation

A local authority is seeking legal advice regarding the methodology used to calculate its SEND deficit bailout allocation. The move highlights growing concern among councils about the fairness and transparency of funding formulas designed to address spiralling special educational needs costs.

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

The Enrichment Gap: Deprived Schools Offer Fewer Clubs and Activities
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.

Education Secretary Questioned by MPs on SEND Reforms and Teacher Recruitment
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.

Proposed GCSE requirement for student loans threatens university access and finances
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.

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

College free meals rate equalised with schools after sector campaign
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.

DfE Publishes New Enrichment Benchmarks: What Schools Need to Know
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.

Farage proposes political oversight to curb diversity programmes in FE colleges
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.