Guidance

The latest news, analysis and best-practice advice when it comes to official education guidance coming from the government, inspectorates and governing bodies

Monday

16th Feb 2026

Schools face wait for ‘urgently needed’ medical guidance
Minister says new guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions won’t be published until the spring after MPs warn of young people being left ‘exposed’
MPs have been told that updated guidance for schools on medical care is coming in the spring.

Thursday

12th Feb 2026

Social transition requests should be treated with ‘caution’, DfE says
The government will embed gender guidance for schools within Keeping Children Safe in Education, including guidelines to ensure that single-sex spaces are protected

Social transition requests should be treated with ‘caution’, DfE says

Thursday

29th Jan 2026

Internal suspension rules ‘must not undermine’ schools
The schools White Paper will introduce measures that keep more suspended pupils in school under supervision, instead of sending them home, says DfE
Suspensions and Exclusions

Monday

26th Jan 2026

DfE writes to schools to push universal RISE support
The universal RISE school improvement programme is being promoted as an optional offer available to all schools – separate from targeted RISE support for specific schools
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson is promoting the government's RISE school improvement schemes

Monday

12th Jan 2026

Warning over students ingesting copper sulphate
DfE issues health alert after a helpline supporting safe science practical work warns of students ‘deliberately’ consuming the chemical compound
Copper sulphate

Wednesday

5th Nov 2025

A-level exam dates 2026: timetables and other key information
The 2026 A-level exam series begins on Monday 11 May. Find everything you need to know in our complete guide
A-level exams 2026: timetables and key information

Friday

31st Oct 2025

New guidance on little-known DfE capital funding budget
The government has provided information about acquiring funding through its Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget
SSICB: Essential details on little-known DfE capital funding budget

Thursday

30th Oct 2025

Students reluctant to use AI for fear of cheating accusations
Only 55 per cent of young people feel their school is clear about appropriate use of AI, finds Scottish Qualifications Authority report
Pupils reluctant to use AI for fear of cheating accusations

Friday

24th Oct 2025

New guidance on school uniform: all you need to know
From September 2026, a new legal limit on the number of compulsory branded uniform items will be introduced. To plan wisely, schools should start preparing now
Primary school children sit along a bench

Tuesday

30th Sep 2025

Schools must have single-sex toilets, says Scottish government
Updated guidance for Scottish schools follows two landmark court rulings relating to single-sex spaces
Schools must have single-sex toilets, says Scottish government

Wednesday

24th Sep 2025

Scottish student teacher placements: 6 key pieces of advice
As student teachers prepare to head into Scottish schools, Colin McGill addresses some of their most pressing questions
Scottish student teacher placements: six key pieces of advice

Tuesday

5th Aug 2025

Reception Baseline Assessment: what you need to know
Every pupil takes part in Reception Baseline Assessment in their first six weeks of school. Here’s what you need to know about the assessment ahead of September
Children climbing on blocks