Thursday
Absence during school transition ‘is especially harmful’
New research warns against focusing only on chronic or persistent pupil absence, saying that moderate absences ‘accumulate over time and significantly impact achievement’
Scottish free meals pledge ditched for upper primary pupils
Pupils in the first five years of primary in Scotland receive free meals but the government has confirmed that the policy will not be delivered in P6-7
Wednesday
Exams to be removed from some practical subjects in next school year
Scottish programme for government states that the exams will no longer feature in 2025-26, as part of national qualifications reform
SQA: PE update will open up subject to disabled students
As of this school year, Scottish students will be able to be assessed in Paralympic sports such as boccia and goalball in order to gain national qualifications in PE
SQA exams start date delayed after heads raise concerns
Some students would have started exams the day after returning from the Easter break under the Scottish Qualifications Authority’s original plans
Tuesday
Gilruth gives ‘clear support’ for whole-school phone bans
Education secretary moves to clarify government position after publication last month of guidance for schools on mobile phones and behaviour
EIS recommends teachers accept pay offer
Union ballot opens tomorrow on teacher pay offer of 4.27 per cent, which would apply to all salaries covered by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers
Inquiry seeks Scottish teachers’ and pupils’ views of Covid years
Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry’s focus includes teaching during lockdown and how the pandemic affected pupils’ behaviour
Give BME teachers right to request a sponsor, says GTCS
Sponsors would ‘help further the careers’ of teachers from minority backgrounds who are under-represented in Scottish schools – especially in promoted roles
