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

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Schools 4 weeks ago

DfE to dissolve troubled 24-school academy trust over £8m deficit

The Department for Education has announced plans to break up a struggling multi-academy trust operating 24 schools, following the discovery of an £8 million deficit. The academies will transition to other established chains in what represents one of the largest-ever trust closures orchestrated by the department.

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Safeguarding 4 weeks ago

Meta settles landmark US lawsuit over child social media addiction claims

Meta has agreed to settle a major lawsuit brought by a Kentucky school district over claims that its platforms are designed to be addictive and harmful to children. The settlement forms part of broader legal action involving approximately 1,200 US school districts suing major tech firms for allegedly fuelling a youth mental health crisis.

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Former Headteacher Banned from Teaching After £15,000 School Fraud
Schools May 19, 2026

Former Headteacher Banned from Teaching After £15,000 School Fraud

Neil Metcalf has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely by the Teaching Regulation Agency after serving a prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining £15,000 from two schools. The panel found his actions constituted serious misconduct that brought the profession into disrepute.

Internal Exclusions May Not Reduce Suspension Rates, Research Finds
Schools May 13, 2026

Internal Exclusions May Not Reduce Suspension Rates, Research Finds

New analysis by the Education Policy Institute suggests internal exclusions may not be effective at reducing external suspensions in schools. The research found only tentative correlations between the use of internal isolation and fewer formal suspensions, challenging assumptions about behaviour management approaches.

Sixth Form Teachers Win Protected Planning Time in Union Agreement
Schools May 8, 2026

Sixth Form Teachers Win Protected Planning Time in Union Agreement

Unions have successfully negotiated additional planning time and improved working conditions for sixth form teachers, including new provisions for administrative tasks and clearer rules on absence cover. The agreement marks a significant step in addressing workload concerns within post-16 education settings.

Operational excellence: The new imperative for school improvement
Schools May 7, 2026

Operational excellence: The new imperative for school improvement

The education sector is entering a new phase where operational excellence is as vital as educational outcomes. School leaders must now prioritise efficient systems, strategic resource management, and sustainable governance to secure long-term improvement across the sector.

Schools and Academies Show: Live Coverage from London
Schools May 7, 2026

Schools and Academies Show: Live Coverage from London

Stay informed with real-time updates from the UK's premier education event as sector leaders gather at the Excel centre. Schools Week reports live on policy announcements, school standards, and the future of academy governance affecting local authorities.

Ark academy trust chief Lucy Heller to step down after 22 years
Schools May 5, 2026

Ark academy trust chief Lucy Heller to step down after 22 years

Lucy Heller is to step down as chief executive of the Ark academy trust after 22 years at the helm. The influential multi-academy trust will appoint two CEOs to replace her, marking a significant leadership transition in England's school system.