Policy
Get the latest updates on education policies, government initiatives, and school funding decisions. We cover key announcements from the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, and policymakers, offering insights into how policy changes affect primary, secondary, and sixth form education.
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Jul- 2025 -3 July
Think tank claims international students now UK’s largest migration route
British universities are “selling immigration, not education”, according to a new report by think tank Policy Exchange, which claims to reveal the full extent of international student migration to the UK. The report says international students have become “the largest driver of overall migration”, with 425,000 student visas issued in…
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Jun- 2025 -25 June
Welsh govt launches consultation to reform school funding system
The Welsh government has launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to school funding regulations, aiming to bring greater consistency and transparency across the country. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said the changes would address long-standing concerns over unequal spending between local authorities and schools. The consultation proposes amendments…
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24 June
Unions call on gov to scrap inspection reform timetable
The Department for Education (DfE) must scrap plans to introduce its new school inspection arrangements in November and delay its implementation until the start of the 2026/27 academic year, unions have warned the government. The general secretaries of NEU, NASUWT, ASCL and NAHT have written to state secretary Bridget Phillipson…
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19 June
OfS issues free speech guidance as poll reveals academic concerns
One in five university academics say they do not feel free to teach controversial topics, according to new polling from the Office for Students (OfS) published alongside official guidance on freedom of speech in higher education. In light of this, the OfS has set out examples to help universities and…
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13 June
High court rejects legal bid to block VAT on private school fees
Three high court judges have rejected a legal challenge to the government’s plan to impose 20% VAT on private school fees, ruling that the policy does not breach human rights law. Three claims brought by parents, pupils and private schools were heard together in a judicial review opposing the measure,…
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May- 2025 -29 May
Gov expands inclusivity programme to help neurodiverse pupils
The UK government is expanding a successful programme to help around 300,000 children with neurodiversity issues boost attendance and behaviour. Backed by £9.5m in government funding, the Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme – which supports neurodiverse students by training teachers to identify and better meet their…
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27 May
Gov scraps higher level apprenticeships to focus on under 21s
The government has announced plans to scrap funding from higher level apprenticeships to focus on training at “lower” levels. From January 2026, only those aged 16-21 will qualify for level 7 apprenticeships, which are considered equivalent to a master’s degree. The plans are part of the government’s initiative to create…
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15 May
Gov launches national programme to boost inclusive PE for SEND pupils
The UK government is launching a new national programme to improve access to PE and school sports for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Backed by an initial £300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead…
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14 May
School staff should receive national training standards on restraint, EHRC says
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned the government to create national training standards on restraint for school staff. The response comes following the Department for Education’s consultation on its “Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions guidance”. The draft guidance stated that schools should prioritise de-escalation…
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6 May
UK gov invests £8.2m to boost girls’ advanced maths skills and AI careers
The UK Government has announced a new £8.2m investment into maths and related skills to pursue AI-related careers, making the sector more accessible to girls in the country. Currently only a third of A level maths pupils are girls, while currently only 22% of professionals working in AI related roles…
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