AI-Curated News

Children's News Feed

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

Categories

Ministers Consider Cancelling Pearson Contract as SATs Results Delayed
Schools Jul 2, 2026

Ministers Consider Cancelling Pearson Contract as SATs Results Delayed

Key Stage 2 SATs results will now arrive nine days late on 16 July following marking failures by examination giant Pearson. The delay has prompted ministers to consider contract cancellation, leaving primary schools and local authorities with limited time to analyse crucial attainment data before the summer term ends.

Schools face budget pressure as 6.6% teacher pay rise partially unfunded
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Schools face budget pressure as 6.6% teacher pay rise partially unfunded

The government has accepted recommendations to increase teacher salaries by 6.6% over two years, with a 3.5% rise from September followed by 3% in 2026. However, concerns have been raised that nearly a third of the additional cost must be met from existing school budgets, placing further strain on already tight finances.

Schools face budget strain as 3.5% teacher pay rise announced
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Schools face budget strain as 3.5% teacher pay rise announced

The government has confirmed a 3.5% pay award for teachers in England, but councils and school leaders will need to find additional funds from already stretched budgets to deliver the increase. Teaching unions have warned that unfunded pay awards will force schools to make difficult choices between staff retention and educational provision.

Government moves to cap 'banker-style' salaries for academy chief executives
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Government moves to cap 'banker-style' salaries for academy chief executives

Nearly 100 academy trust chief executives currently earn over £200,000 annually, with at least one receiving more than half a million pounds. The government is set to introduce new pay restrictions to curb excessive executive salaries in England's academies and ensure greater accountability in school governance.

Putting anti-racism into practice: A Welsh primary school's journey
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Putting anti-racism into practice: A Welsh primary school's journey

Dr Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge explore how one primary school in Wales has successfully translated anti-racist policy into meaningful everyday action. Their case study offers valuable insights for education leaders seeking to embed equity, belonging and cultural responsiveness across their settings.

Anti-Racist Practice in Action: Lessons from a Welsh Primary School
Schools Jul 1, 2026

Anti-Racist Practice in Action: Lessons from a Welsh Primary School

In the final instalment of this series, Dr Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge examine how one primary school in Wales has successfully translated anti-racist policy into everyday practice. Their case study offers practical guidance for leaders seeking to foster genuinely inclusive school cultures.

12 firms investigated over suspected school repairs bid-rigging
Schools Jun 30, 2026

12 firms investigated over suspected school repairs bid-rigging

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has named twelve construction firms under investigation for suspected bid-rigging related to the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). The probe concerns alleged anti-competitive practices in applications for school building repair funding.

Government plans NHS-style rules for academy CEO pay
Schools Jun 30, 2026

Government plans NHS-style rules for academy CEO pay

The government is planning to introduce NHS-style regulations to govern academy trust chief executive salaries, ensuring public funds represent proper value for money. The proposed framework would bring greater accountability and transparency to executive pay within the academies sector.

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs
Schools Jun 30, 2026

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs

A new report reveals that families across the UK are being forced into debt, skipping meals and relying on food banks as they struggle to meet the spiralling costs of school holidays. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted financial support and accessible holiday provision to prevent vulnerable households from reaching crisis point.

DfE review: School-based nurseries boost admissions but highlight workforce pressures
Schools Jun 30, 2026

DfE review: School-based nurseries boost admissions but highlight workforce pressures

New Department for Education research reveals that school-based nurseries are helping to reverse declining primary school admissions, though settings are increasingly relying on agency staff to fill workforce gaps. The findings come from the first phase of government funding aimed at expanding nursery provision within school settings.

School Smartphone Bans "Overly Simplistic" and Punitive, UCL Study Finds
Schools Jun 30, 2026

School Smartphone Bans "Overly Simplistic" and Punitive, UCL Study Finds

A new University College London report warns that outright bans on smartphones in schools are regarded as "punitive" by young people and may have unintended negative consequences. The research, published as statutory guidance enforcing phone-free schools takes effect in England, suggests pupils do not support blanket restrictions.