DfE
The latest news and analysis on the Department for Education and the secretary of state for education, including new policy, legislation and appointments
Wednesday
23rd Sep 2026
When Ofsted calls, no one should stand alone
Amid ongoing calls to rethink how Ofsted operates, a senior trust leader says it’s vital that school leaders are supported by the wider organisation before, during and after any inspection
Helen Hayes: Schools ‘urgently need’ AI framework
In an exclusive interview, the Commons Education Select Committee chair also raises concerns over ‘problematic’ findings from Tes’ latest Ofsted investigation
Exclusive
Half of trusts plan teacher staffing cuts, finds CST survey
Financial sustainability has fallen from being trusts’ top strategic priority, findings reveal, while SEND is a big priority for leaders in the year ahead
Tuesday
22nd Sep 2026
AI-savvy students may not see school as ‘legitimate use’ of time
Fewer than one in 10 young people believes the education system is preparing them for a world with AI, finds report co-written by Sir Anthony Seldon
Teachers ‘frustrated’ by barriers to 14-16 vocational studies
Teachers and students value technical studies but reputational barriers are preventing wider adoption, finds interim OCR research led by former education secretary Charles Clarke
Monday
21st Sep 2026
Technical pathways in schools ‘not deliverable’ by 2028
Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson Munira Wilson tells Tes she is ‘amazed’ at the pace of the government’s vocational education plans
Exclusive
Powell urged to halt ‘demoralising’ Ofsted inspections
The NAHT is launching a campaign to stop graded Ofsted inspections, warning that the latest framework poses a ‘risk to life’
Friday
18th Sep 2026
Allergy safety: how to ensure your school complies with the law
This summer, the DfE released new statutory guidance about keeping children with allergies safe. Here, two lawyers explain how to make sure your policies and practices are up to date
Tom Bennett on SEND, exclusions and why his behaviour model works
Tom Bennett has advised on behaviour policy in England for a decade – he sits down with Kyle Tormey to explain why the latest iteration of his behaviour support will deliver safer and calmer classrooms
Exclusive
Wednesday
16th Sep 2026
KS3 Alliance launches national call for evidence on ‘overlooked’ phase
Schools and trusts are asked to help define the purpose of early secondary years amid concerns that students can lose engagement after Year 7
Teacher pay award to be funded through pension savings
But this does not guarantee that every school will have the funds to fully cover the rise