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
5th Jun 2025
7 teacher workforce trends you need to know
The latest government census includes data on the size and characteristics of the workforce, and what’s happening with teacher recruitment and retention. Tes has the key points
Primary schools not included in DfE’s 6,500 new teacher target
Government confirms its target will only be based on teachers in secondaries, special schools and colleges
Exclusive
Five key challenges for schools on international teacher recruitment
The DfE has commissioned research into international teachers and trainees to understand barriers to recruitment and retention
Academies now outnumber LA schools
The DfE has published its latest census data on schools and pupil characteristics. Here is everything you need to know
Wednesday
4th Jun 2025
Free school meals expanded - but no extra pupil premium cash
DfE lifts the £7,400 income cap for accessing FSM – but this won’t result in more pupil premium cash for schools and it is unclear how many extra pupils will benefit
Phillipson: Leaders have ‘responsibility’ to boost attendance
Education secretary tells school leaders in Birmingham she wants more progress on pupil absence
Tuesday
3rd Jun 2025
Pay special school staff as ‘consultants’ for mainstream, MPs told
Catholic Education Service tells SEND inquiry that special schools should be recognised as centres of excellence, with ‘consultant’ staff given extra pay, like in medicine
Push for 1000s more school cadets in ‘new era for defence’
Ministry of Defence review calls for officials to work with DfE ‘to develop understanding of the Armed Forces among young people in schools’
Fact check: are school breakfast clubs getting 60p per pupil?
The DfE disputes the amount being widely quoted as the going rate – so how much are schools in the government’s breakfast clubs pilot actually getting?