Policy
The latest news, analysis and advice on government policy and legislation. Find a breakdown of new documentation, case studies from leaders and comment from high-profile educators
Today
9th Jul 2025
What primaries in poor communities need from Labour
The government has pledged to break the link between a child’s background and their future success, but what do headteachers in England’s poorest communities need to help make this a reality? We speak to several to find out

DfE ‘lacks coherent plan’ to boost teacher recruitment
It is not clear how the government intends to fulfil its promise to recruit 6,500 more teachers, an MPs’ committee warns

Yesterday
8th Jul 2025
DfE launches ‘phonics-inspired’ primary writing framework
The primary writing framework will be revised once the final curriculum review report is published, with a final version due in the autumn

Heads need more support to make most of PEF, finds study
The ‘promise of freedom’ that Scotland’s Pupil Equity Fund gives to headteachers ‘may be illusory without a reliable evidence base’, researchers say

Primaries could get intensive DfE support for Reception
The government is planning to provide three different levels of support for pupils in Reception through its RISE teams and English and maths hubs

Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley

Monday
7th Jul 2025
New SQA chief executive sets out 6 initial priorities
Nick Page says ‘confusion’ about SQA’s role will be addressed as it prepares to be replaced by Qualifications Scotland

Why government should pause the schools bill
If Labour really wants excellence for every child, it would do well to rethink this much-criticised piece of legislation, says the director of the New Schools Network

Friday
4th Jul 2025
DfE inclusion group’s work extended
Government inclusion adviser and chair of the group Tom Rees speaks to Tes about its ambitions for reform

School-readiness targets ‘must not be a stick to beat schools’
With the DfE launching a new data tool in its drive to increase the number of children who are school-ready, heads’ leaders warn that ministers cannot rely on ‘targets alone’

Exclusions: 1 in 3 leaders say they lack alternatives
School leaders are also worried about balancing behaviour management with the need for inclusion, survey shows

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