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
Thursday
24th Sep 2026
Why mainstream inclusion is the key to EAL success
While it is tempting to think second-language learners need their own learning routes, this school found that a different approach paid far greater dividends
SEND funding plan risks ‘penalising’ inclusive schools
Headteachers and local council leaders raise concerns about plans for a major shake-up of how schools are funded for pupils with SEND
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Exams boss insists timeframe for technical routes is achievable
In an exclusive interview with Tes, Pearson’s managing director supports a ‘cautious’ approach to flagship education reform and refuses to be drawn on the recent Sats marking debacle
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SEND to absorb most of school funding rise, IFS warns
Mainstream funding will rise by 3 per cent in real terms despite a 9 per cent headline increase in per-pupil spending, analysis finds
Wednesday
23rd Sep 2026
New vocational GCSEs announced as technical routes take shape
Flagship education policy of ‘technical routes’ from age 14 still to start in 2028, but new qualifications would arrive from 2029
Creating a ‘vulnerability-first’ approach to supporting pupils
A headteacher explains how a new model of inclusion the school created to support vulnerable children works for all – and has the outcomes to prove its success
Helen Hayes: Schools ‘urgently need’ AI framework
In an exclusive interview, the Commons Education Select Committee chair also raises concerns over ‘problematic’ findings from Tes’ latest Ofsted investigation
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Ofsted inspections ‘harming teachers and making them want to quit’
NEU survey of 1,500 members finds that a quarter said recent inspection experience had made them want to leave teaching
Tuesday
22nd Sep 2026
Why Australia’s private school system is a world apart from the UK
State funding for private schools may sound unthinkable, but that’s the everyday reality Down Under – and it could pose some ideas for the UK, says HMC’s Simon Hyde
AI-savvy students may not see school as ‘legitimate use’ of time
Fewer than one in 10 young people believes the education system is preparing them for a world with AI, finds report co-written by Sir Anthony Seldon
Teachers ‘frustrated’ by barriers to 14-16 vocational studies
Teachers and students value technical studies but reputational barriers are preventing wider adoption, finds interim OCR research led by former education secretary Charles Clarke