Primary

Tuesday

6th Jan 2026

What trends like ‘67’ reveal about Gen Alpha pupils
The latest crazes in schools may seem nonsense to adults – but there is actually a deeper meaning to it all, explains this international deputy head
Numbers 6 and 7

Saturday

3rd Jan 2026

Phonics screening check: all you need to know
This mandatory test is used to determine Year 1 pupils’ phonics skills. Here’s what you need to know, including the 2026 check dates
Phonics cards

Monday

29th Dec 2025

What is the multiplication tables check?
All you need to know about the Year 4 times table check, including when it takes place and which questions are most likely to appear
Times table cards

Wednesday

3rd Dec 2025

What the latest EAL pupil evidence means for schools
Diana Sutton from The Bell Foundation outlines some key insights from new research on pupils with English as an additional language
Flags of the world

Friday

7th Nov 2025

Why small schools need to think big
The chair of governors at one village primary says small schools under pressure can find strength from strategic thinking and looking outwards
Small primary schools need to think big, says one chair of governors

Tuesday

4th Nov 2025

How I taught empathy to primary pupils
A Year 2 lead at an international school in Bangkok outlines how she created a six-week programme to teach social and emotional skills to young learners
Empathic heads

Tuesday

21st Oct 2025

The international school embracing mixed-age classes
The introduction of mixed-age classes has helped both teachers and pupils, say staff at this international school in Germany. Here, they explain how the approach works
Frankfurt Germany

Saturday

4th Oct 2025

Why Scotland must renew commitment to primary school PE
New campaign calls for more support to raise standard of PE in primary schools and underlines that the subject should be a pivotal part of the curriculum
Why Scotland must renew its commitment to primary school PE

Wednesday

1st Oct 2025

Sats week: key test dates for 2026
All the Sats dates you need to know for the national curriculum tests for Year 6 pupils plus optional KS1 assessment
Pins in calendar

Thursday

25th Sep 2025

What primary leaders really think about the Scottish education bills
Proposed legislation on restraint and seclusion and outdoor education is being considered in the Scottish Parliament – but primary school leaders’ body AHDS has reservations about both bills
How primary school leaders view ongoing Scottish education bills

Tuesday

23rd Sep 2025

Why early reading work is vital to spot and support pupils with SEND
We must ensure that a focus on reading help is not lost amid SEND debates and reform proposals, argues Mike Fischer
Little girl reading

Tuesday

5th Aug 2025

Reception Baseline Assessment: what you need to know
Every pupil takes part in Reception Baseline Assessment in their first six weeks of school. Here’s what you need to know about the assessment ahead of September
Children climbing on blocks