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
16th Jul 2026
DfE removes Penta as BSO inspectorate after critical Ofsted reports
Association of British Schools Overseas welcomes the decision that it says ensures the integrity of the government kitemark is protected
Dame Christine Gilbert to lead review into Sats failings
DfE announces review on the day that delayed key stage 2 Sats results are due to be released
Exclusive
How Andy Burnham can take social media policy forward
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede reflects on how a new prime minister can take on social media legislation and ensure it truly delivers for schools
Can experts at hand really make a difference?
The government’s £1.8bn plan to give mainstream schools expert support for inclusion is a key part of its SEND reforms. But leaders warn there are major obstacles in making the scheme a success
Wednesday
15th Jul 2026
Academy Trust Handbook 2026: what’s new?
The DfE publishes its updated guidance for academy trusts – but gives trusts an extra month to implement the changes
Most primary schools post pictures of pupils on social media
However, over a quarter of primaries and one in five secondaries plan to change their picture-sharing policies in the near future, with fears raised over AI deepfakes and extortion
Exclusive
Oak lessons to warn strangulation during sex is a crime
Resources developed by Oak National Academy aim to help schools teach the revised RSHE curriculum, which comes into force in September
Tuesday
14th Jul 2026
MAT to be broken up after behaviour policy backlash
Athena Learning Trust’s nine schools will transfer to other organisations after trustees acknowledge a ‘clear need for change’
Coastal schools shouldn’t be encouraging students to ‘escape’
Telling pupils in coastal communities that school is a springboard to ‘escape’ is a harmful message that deprives these towns of the very people they need to thrive, says head Hannah Carter
Fears about digital exams don’t ‘stack up’, says AQA boss
Despite recent high-profile problems with traditional pen-and-paper exams, the CEO of England’s biggest exam board tells Tes that there should be more urgency in introducing on-screen assessment
Exclusive
Monday
13th Jul 2026
Unions gauge support for industrial action over teacher pay
Teachers and leaders to be polled on action as findings reveal anger over next year’s 3.5 per cent pay award
Exclusive
OCR defends decision not to re-mark controversial GCSE paper
Exam board’s managing director, in an exclusive Tes interview, says that despite a complaint being upheld by Ofqual and pressure from Tories, it cannot award marks for ‘incorrect answers’
Exclusive