Need to know: exams, Schools Bill and the future of MATs

In the week that Sats took place for the first time since the pandemic began, we spoke to Ofqual’s chief regulator Jo Saxton about the key changes for this year’s GCSE and A-level exams, and looked ahead to what is in store for assessment in 2023.

For our feature articles this week, we looked at how the next generation of MAT leaders want to do things differently, one teacher shared her step-by-step guide to improving pupils’ handwriting, and a school leader put forward their case for radically rethinking Sats.

Catch up on your must-read Tes news stories and features from the past week right here:

News

• GCSEs 2022: No school likely to exceed 2021 grades, says Ofqual
  Ofqual’s chief regulator has said that she would be “really surprised” if any school achieves better results than it did in 2021, when teacher assessment was used to grade GCSEs and A levels.
• Schools Bill: Everything you need to know
  The Department for Education has published plans to create new powers over academies, private schools and attendance. Here is the Tes round-up of the key announcements.
• GCSEs 2023: How exams will run next summer
  The DfE confirmed a return to “full subject content” for 2023 GCSE and A levels. Here, we look at the latest information and explain what assessment will look like next year.
• Heads blast ‘ridiculous’ waits for help during Sats
  Primary school headteachers have criticised “ridiculous” wait times on the Standards and Testing Agency helpline during key stage 2 Sats week.
• DfE urges schools to budget for ‘Parent Pledge’
  The department told schools this week that they should consider budgeting for its new Parent Pledge in their plans for next year.

Features

• GCSE and A-level exams: Ofqual tells us all you need to know
  The 2022 exams start next week - but they won’t be the same as before. We chat exclusively to Ofqual chief regulator Jo Saxton to find out what’s changed.
• Workplaces, not schools, need to work harder on skills
  There are calls, once again, for schools to do more to “prepare pupils for work”, but those skills should be honed more outside of schools, says Jon Severs.
• Why the next generation of MAT leaders wants to do things differently
  Founding CEOs of MATs are moving on and a new generation, with a different set of skills, is being appointed, finds Zofia Niemtus. But what will it mean for pupils, parents and teachers?
• Is it time to rethink Sats?
  It’s time to radically rethink the system of primary assessment and trust schools to measure progress for themselves, says headteacher Kulvarn Atwal.
• Handwriting: 5 stages to cover with your class
  Starting with gross and motor skills, sorting out pen grip and concentrating on tiny and tall letters are key in supporting early years pupils in learning to write, says Sophie Lamb.