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

Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake

Ofsted has reportedly suggested that grammar schools can be considered inclusive institutions, reigniting debate about selective education and accessibility. The comments raise questions about how inspection frameworks evaluate equity within England's partially selective school system.

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Schools Jun 11, 2026

Cleaners at Ark Academies Plan Strike After Pay Deal Scrapped

Support staff at Ark academies are preparing to strike after the multi-academy trust cancelled an existing wage agreement. The dispute centres on pay and conditions for cleaning staff who serve the trust's network of schools across the country. Union members are now balloting for industrial action that could disrupt operations in multiple schools.

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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.

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Schools 1 month ago

Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake

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Schools 1 month ago

Cleaners at Ark Academies Plan Strike After Pay Deal Scrapped

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Policy 1 month ago

Natural History GCSE Approved to Teach Biodiversity and Conservation Skills

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Policy Jun 11, 2026

Skills Bootcamp Funding Under Pressure: Threat to Adult Reskilling Agenda

Concerns are mounting over the future of Skills Bootcamps as funding appears set for significant reduction. These intensive training programmes play a vital role in reskilling adults and meeting local employer needs.

Safeguarding Jun 11, 2026

Government proposes ban on unqualified 'sleep experts' using protected nurse title

The Government has announced plans to make it illegal for unqualified baby sleep consultants to describe themselves as nurses. The move aims to protect families from 'bogus' experts who may lack proper medical training while claiming professional credentials.

SEND Jun 11, 2026

One in Five Pupils Now Have SEND as EHCP Requests Surge, DfE Figures Reveal

New Department for Education data reveals that over 20% of pupils in England have special educational needs, with a sharp rise in Education, Health and Care Plan applications placing significant pressure on schools, families, and local authorities ahead of planned government reforms.

Policy Jun 11, 2026

Exam board error affects thousands of English language test results

More than 20,000 students received incorrect English language test results due to an administrative error by the exam board. All affected scores have now been rectified and reissued to candidates following the discovery of the mistake.

SEND Jun 11, 2026

EHCP Numbers Top Half a Million as Ministers Plan Eligibility Restrictions

Latest government figures reveal that over half a million pupils now have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking an 11 per cent annual increase. The statistics arrive as ministers signal intentions to reserve statutory support exclusively for the 'most complex' needs, raising significant questions for local SEND provision.

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.

Policy Jun 10, 2026

UK Minister Defends Changes to Student Loans Amid Mounting Criticism

The UK government has defended recent modifications to student loan terms, with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby arguing that heavy public subsidies justify the changes. The minister told MPs that with fewer than half of young people attending university, the government must consider fairness to all taxpayers when reviewing the financing system.

Policy Jun 10, 2026

Adult Skills Funding 2026-27: Rates Frozen as Earnings Thresholds Rise

The government has announced that adult skills funding rates will remain frozen for 2026-27, despite rising earnings thresholds that determine learner eligibility. This creates fresh pressure on further education budgets as providers face higher costs without additional per-learner funding.

Policy Jun 9, 2026

Treasury reviewing freeze on college free meals amid VAT uncertainty

The Treasury is reviewing the freeze on free meals for college students but has declined to set a timetable for VAT decisions affecting the sector. The anomalies were raised during discussions in the House of Lords.

Policy Jun 9, 2026

DfE announces £4,500 retention bonus for early years teachers in deprived areas

The Department for Education has announced a new £4,500 annual bonus for early years teachers working in 10 of England's most deprived areas. The incentive aims to address recruitment and retention challenges in the early years sector, ensuring high-quality provision for disadvantaged children.

Policy Jun 9, 2026

Experts warn early years reforms will falter without workforce strategy

Specialists have told MPs that the Government’s early years plans risk falling short without a comprehensive strategy to recruit and retain staff. The evidence highlights that sustainable workforce planning is essential to delivering high-quality support for children and families.

Policy Jun 9, 2026

DfE Early Years Champion Urges Sector Unity Amid ‘Best Start in Life’ Strategy Concerns

Sue Robb, the Department for Education’s Early Years Champion, has called on private, voluntary and independent nurseries to unite with school-based providers amid growing concerns that the Government’s Best Start in Life strategy risks creating artificial divisions between sectors. The intervention comes as early years leaders warn that current policy approaches may inadvertently pit PVI nurseries against maintained nursery schools.

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