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
Wednesday
25th Feb 2026
The SEND reforms are out - now the real tests begin
The government has finally announced its plans for special educational needs provision. Tes’ SEND and inclusion editor John Roberts assesses the challenges to come
For the SEND reforms to work, we need staff to flourish
Giving teachers more support must be the foundation on which the new special educational needs system is built, writes the Church of England’s interim chief education officer
5 ways to make an inclusion base work in your school
With the government saying it wants every secondary to have an inclusion base, one special-school leader shares tips on setting up effective provision
Tuesday
24th Feb 2026
‘The SEND reforms are not a recipe for inclusion, but for disaster’
A lack of clarity and not enough funding will endanger well-intentioned reforms, argues shadow education secretary Laura Trott
4 election priorities for secondary school leaders in Scotland
School Leaders Scotland publishes a manifesto for the upcoming parliamentary election, demanding action on the teacher workforce, funding and exams
KS4 reforms to make lower-attaining pupils ‘more visible’
Government launches a consultation on reforms to key stage 4, including changes to RISE interventions and a new ‘best fit’ progress measure targeted at low prior attainers
Monday
23rd Feb 2026
Schools White Paper: the sector reacts
What do leaders and experts across the schools sector make of the government’s new plans for education? Tes rounds up opinions on the proposals on SEND, multi-academy trusts, disadvantage and more
How is Labour planning to reform SEND?
The DfE sets out proposals for schools to produce statutory support plans for pupils with SEND and for new national inclusion standards. Here’s everything you need to know about its reform plans
Schools White Paper: all you need to know
Tes has gathered all of the key information from the Labour government’s schools White Paper
Why Caitlin Moran needs your young writers
Tes is backing a new prize to help disadvantaged young people get into journalism – here, writer Caitlin Moran explains all the details