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Schools 1 month ago

Wearable Tech and AI Threaten Exam Integrity, Ofqual Warns

The head of England’s qualifications watchdog has warned that wearable devices such as smartglasses and invisible earpieces could magnify cheating in GCSE and A-level exams. Ian Bauckham also revealed that coursework is being scrutinised for AI use, with teachers reporting difficulties detecting machine-generated content.

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Safeguarding Alert: Reviewing Photography Policies After AI Image Blackmail Threats
Safeguarding Jun 1, 2026

Safeguarding Alert: Reviewing Photography Policies After AI Image Blackmail Threats

Schools have faced blackmail attempts by criminals using AI-doctored images of pupils, prompting serious concerns about digital safeguarding. Early years settings are now urgently reviewing photography policies and consent procedures to protect children from image-based exploitation and strengthen preventative measures.

DfE guidance: Schools may use AI for SEND support plans but not EHCPs
SEND May 28, 2026

DfE guidance: Schools may use AI for SEND support plans but not EHCPs

New Department for Education guidance suggests schools can use artificial intelligence to draft non-statutory SEND support plans, but warns against using the technology for statutory Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). School leaders are urged to exercise caution regarding pupil data protection when implementing AI tools.

Waltham Forest Teacher Strikes Close Schools and Divide Parents
Schools May 28, 2026

Waltham Forest Teacher Strikes Close Schools and Divide Parents

Industrial action by National Education Union members has closed primary schools across Waltham Forest, including South Grove Primary, leaving parents divided over the disruption to their children's education. The strikes reflect ongoing disputes over pay and conditions, with further action planned across the east London borough.

DfE to dissolve troubled 24-school academy trust over £8m deficit
Schools May 21, 2026

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.

Meta settles landmark US lawsuit over child social media addiction claims
Safeguarding May 21, 2026

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.

School Leaders Warn 'Attainment-First' Policies Threaten SEND Inclusion Reforms
SEND May 20, 2026

School Leaders Warn 'Attainment-First' Policies Threaten SEND Inclusion Reforms

Headteachers have warned that the government's focus on academic targets risks undermining proposed changes to special educational needs provision. The Association of School and College Leaders argues that an 'attainment at all costs' approach conflicts with efforts to support mainstream schools in accommodating more pupils with SEND.

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.