DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Yesterday
3rd Mar 2026
SEND reforms risk increasing costs in short term, says OBR
Government has not set out how its flagship reforms will result in savings, fiscal watchdog says.
2.7% teacher pay rise affordable over next two years, says DfE
Teachers’ union leader calls government projections ‘ludicrous’ and ‘insulting’
Ofqual calls for tougher action on phones and AI cheating
Exams watchdog writes to biggest UK exam boards, warning of rising numbers of students breaking rules
New ‘experts at hand’ won’t arrive fast enough, DfE warned
Professional bodies back bigger roles in schools for educational psychologists, occupational and speech and language therapists – but say they already struggle to meet demand
Exclusive
Saturday
28th Feb 2026
SEND reform: Experts at hand service could be a game-changer
Trust leader Tom Campbell says quick access to SEND experts – especially educational psychologists – could be transformative
Teacher strike ballot opens over pay and workload
NEU union launches indicative strike ballot, as general secretary Daniel Kebede warns ‘schools are running on empty’
Friday
27th Feb 2026
15% of secondary teachers not confident identifying SEND
Research follows DfE announcement that all teachers in England should receive training on SEND support and inclusion
Private schools lose legal challenge over VAT on fees
Several schools and parents previously brought legal action against the Treasury, but now Court of Appeal dismisses the challenge
How new are Labour’s SEND reform plans?
This week the government unveiled its proposals to change special educational needs support. But many people looking at its plans have pointed to similarities with the old, pre-2014 system
1 in 5 school support staff thinking of leaving sector
Dissatisfaction with pay is the most common reason why support staff are considering walking away, according to evidence submitted to new pay award body
Schools White Paper: when will the plans be delivered?
Tes sets out the timeline for key reforms included in this week’s schools White Paper and associated plans to overhaul the SEND system