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
3rd Dec 2025
Getting accountability right is ‘key’ to SEND reforms, says minister
Schools minister Georgia Gould was taking part in the first public online event in a series discussing the government’s planned SEND reforms
Why attendance data tells you less than you think
The government is focusing huge amounts of attention and funding on trying to solve the attendance crisis. But how sure are we that steps to tackle persistent absence will actually lead to a significant shift in outcomes?
Tuesday
2nd Dec 2025
MPs grill Phillipson on SEND, phones and Ofsted
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson faces Commons Education Select Committee after government Budget sparks SEND controversy
SEND: Gould to hear public’s view on national support framework
Schools minister Georgia Gould will hold a series of face-to-face public events about DfE’s planned reforms
Monday
1st Dec 2025
Over a quarter of students ‘not very motivated’ to learn, DfE finds
Just under seven in 10 secondary students surveyed said they felt they belonged in school, prompting concerns about impact on life after school
NEU to hold indicative ballot over potential strike
The teaching union warns it will take ‘whatever action necessary’ in face of school funding pressures
Friday
28th Nov 2025
5 questions for school leaders on the Budget’s implications for SEND
The Budget was light on detail on plans for SEND, but presented critical questions for school leaders. Trust leader and SEND expert Warren Carratt provides some answers
Parent allegations against teachers rise by a third
Research showing an increase in allegations highlights a ‘fraying of relationships’ between families and schools, warns parents’ charity
Exclusive
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