Thursday
Spare school places hit record high
The number of spare primary and secondary places across England has increased by 15 per cent since 2023-24
5 questions schools need answered on the social media ban
The government has announced that under-16s will be banned from several social media platforms from next spring. But for schools, there are still questions about how this will work
MPs launch inquiry into Labour’s school reform plans
Committee will scrutinise DfE’s teacher recruitment targets and plans to reform accountability measures and narrow the disadvantage gap
How heads can lead on anti-racism in Scotland’s schools
A professional learning programme from School Leaders Scotland will address issues including disinformation, racism and misogyny
Schools self-funding their building work is ‘wholly unrealistic’
NASUWT chief Matt Wrack lists the problems with the idea that schools could hire out facilities to fund essential refurbishment of their buildings
Don’t just recruit leaders - find them among your students
A senior leader explains how his trust has created an apprenticeship pathway to encourage school leavers into roles that put them on a route to leadership – in teaching and other key functions
How much cash can schools really save from DfE buying scheme?
The Maximising Value for Pupils programme claims it can help schools save thousands by reducing their bills, but leaders warn the benefits are ‘marginal’
Why a Schrödinger’s pay deal will drive debate and division
Government will claim a pay rise above inflation, unions will argue a pay cut – but teachers deserve better than economic sleight of hand, argues Alistair Wood
Wednesday
6,500 teacher goal ‘consistent’ with original pledge, Phillipson says
Education secretary faces questions from MPs over the government’s SEND plans, teacher recruitment and curriculum reform
Technical issues halt marking of GCSE maths paper
Pearson Edexcel says marking has now resumed and there has been no impact on its ‘accuracy or integrity’, after issues emerged last night
Falling primary rolls will ‘narrow curriculum’, Lords warned
The government must financially support schools and councils to manage demographic upheaval, hears inquiry into the falling number of pupils in primary schools
‘Limited’ evidence for AI tutoring tools, government admits
Google is among eight tech firms awarded a contract to pilot AI tutors, with the DfE planning to roll out the technology to help disadvantaged students
