Tuesday
DfE removes funding for IB Diploma in state schools
International Baccalaureate decries ‘deeply disheartening’ decision that it claims will affect 5,000 students but save little money
Online exams could undermine the system, warns Hinds
Former education secretary says digital exams would also be bad for pupils’ handwriting, speaking ahead of the final report from the review of curriculum and assessment
Monday
Heads likely to support a ban on mobile phones in schools
NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman tells Conservative Party conference event that he suspects union policy will come out in favour of a ban
Tories’ education team focus on the role of alternative provision
Shadow minister Saqib Bhatti highlights the importance of AP amid concerns about the outcomes for white working-class boys
Friday
Labour seeks ‘clear’ mobile phones ban in Scottish schools
Scottish ministers accused of ‘passing the buck’ on mobile phones by putting the onus on headteachers to take a stance
Heads less likely than class teachers to back Year 8 reading test
Support among school staff for the government’s reported plan to introduce a new mandatory reading test varies depending on stage of career, a poll shows
The next few months will define Labour’s record on education
After a Labour conference short on policy details, we can soon expect big decisions that will shape the future of education – so hold on to your hats, says ASCL chief Pepe Di’Iasio
Racial inclusion ‘falls off’ the education agenda, says Longfield
The inclusion taskforce member calls on the DfE to make anti-racism a ‘key priority’, warning that Black children can feel ‘unsafe and over-policed’ at school
SEND spending set to exceed £20bn amid surge in support
Spending on EHCPs and child disability benefits will rise sharply this decade, the IFS predicts, as the government prepares to set out reforms
Thursday
MATs worried about ‘accelerating decay’ of school estates
A new report from the Queen Street Group reveals the issues occupying the minds of multi-academy trust bosses – including the need to invest in better school site security
Government urged to plan to keep schools open in future pandemics
Baroness Anne Longfield tells Covid inquiry that the government owes children a formal apology for mistakes during pandemic
