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
28th Jan 2026
‘No evidence’ of political bias at Bristol school, Ofsted says
Bristol Brunel Academy was inspected after the postponement of a visit by a Jewish MP raised concerns about political pressure
Are these the 5 election priorities for Scottish teachers?
We look at the ambition and significance of the EIS teaching union’s manifesto for the upcoming Scottish Parliament election
4 pillars for a thriving resourced provision in schools
A headteacher who has had a resourced provision unit in her school for almost 20 years reflects on the fundamentals to ensure it’s a success
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
Ofsted: Schools risk missing ‘expected standard’ over phone use
If a school fails to follow the government’s new guidance on mobile phones, it could fall short of inspectors’ requirements for attendance and behaviour, warns watchdog
Neets need to be a national priority again
The government is right to focus on the number of young people not in education, employment or training – and solutions may lie within the schools sector, writes Roy Blatchford
The attendance crisis: what does last term’s data tell us?
Pupil absence was up in the autumn term, but what else can we learn when we break down the details of the latest DfE attendance data? Ellen Peirson-Hagger shares key insights
VAT complaints mask bigger private school problems
The impact of VAT on fees has been real for private schools, but the warning signs had already been there for years for schools that have closed, says this former independent head
Friday
23rd Jan 2026
Let’s rally behind the international strategy’s ambitions
The recognition of the value of schools to the government’s International Education Strategy is welcome – but sector support will be required to deliver the strategy’s aims, writes Rod Smith
The new inspections mean schools must change their expectations
One trust leader who has experienced Ofsted’s new inspection process says the bar has been raised, with the new ‘expected standard’ requiring genuinely high-quality provision