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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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Ninety-Nine School Staff Recognised in National Teaching Awards
Schools Jun 17, 2026

Ninety-Nine School Staff Recognised in National Teaching Awards

The silver winners of the annual Pearson National Teaching Awards have been revealed, honouring 99 heads, teachers, support staff and schools for their exceptional contributions to education. The awards celebrate outstanding practice across the profession ahead of national celebrations later this year.

Mental health teams face 'moral dilemma' as schools struggle with 'missing middle'
Schools Jun 16, 2026

Mental health teams face 'moral dilemma' as schools struggle with 'missing middle'

Mental health professionals are being forced into "moral dilemmas" when deciding which children receive support amid growing demand and constrained resources. Schools are increasingly placed in an "insidious" position, struggling to help the "missing middle" of pupils whose needs are too complex for universal provision but do not meet thresholds for specialist services.

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.

School Governor Food Standards Oversight Risks Governance Confusion
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.

DfE to publish new enrichment benchmarks for schools
Schools Jun 13, 2026

DfE to publish new enrichment benchmarks for schools

The Department for Education is preparing to introduce new enrichment benchmarks aimed at broadening the educational offer in schools. However, school leaders have raised immediate concerns regarding capacity and resources to meet these aspirational standards.

School Leaders Recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List
Schools Jun 12, 2026

School Leaders Recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

Sixty professionals working in England's schools have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions to education. The awards celebrate the dedication and leadership of headteachers, governors and school staff across the country.

Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake
Schools Jun 11, 2026

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.

Cleaners at Ark Academies Plan Strike After Pay Deal Scrapped
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.

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11
Schools Jun 11, 2026

Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11

New research from the Education Policy Institute and Education Endowment Foundation reveals that lower prior attainment is the largest contributor to the disadvantage gap, with nearly half becoming entrenched by the time pupils transition to secondary school. The findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention during the primary years to prevent persistent inequality.

West London primary introduces screen-free Mondays for pupils, staff and parents
Schools Jun 7, 2026

West London primary introduces screen-free Mondays for pupils, staff and parents

Holy Family Catholic primary school in Ealing has introduced 'screen-free Mondays' where pupils, teachers and parents alike put away smartphones, laptops and tablets. The initiative, which originated with the pupils themselves, has seen an enthusiastic uptake from families seeking to reduce digital dependency.