DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Thursday
27th Nov 2025
Most students see phones being used in class against school rules
DfE survey finds more than half of secondary school students saw mobile phones being used when not allowed at least some of the time
3 ways government could reform SEND funding, according to IFS
With SEND spending set to be absorbed by central government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies sets out where the money could come from
EYFS: Rise in Reception pupils with ‘good’ development
DfE data shows an increase in the proportion of four- and five-year-olds meeting their development targets – although results are still below pre-Covid levels
IB chief on Russia, curriculum reforms and ‘that’ UK funding cut
Tes chats to International Baccalaureate director-general Olli-Pekka Heinonen during a stop in London as he tries to convince the government to reinstate IB state school funding
Why international schools should seek accreditation - and 3 tips to help
One experienced leader explains the different forms of accreditation that international schools can choose – and recommends ways to make the most of the process
Wednesday
26th Nov 2025
NEU weighs up strike action over ‘continued school underfunding’
England’s biggest education union warns it ‘will not accept another pay cut’ in response to today’s Budget
Budget 2025: what schools need to know
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget sparks warnings about a real-terms drop in school funding but includes spending on school libraries and books. Here are all the key details for the sector
Ofsted pauses NPQ inspections
Watchdog stops routine inspections of national professional qualifications for 2025-26, at education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s request