Details of the funding system for schools and high needs from 2025 to 2026 onwards can be found on the DfE website, here.
Category: Department for Education
New minimum attendance expectations
The DfE annonced new minimum attendance expectations on 12 November. A letter from Olivia Bailey MPMinister for Early Education and Minister for Equalities has been posted, addressed to governors. In it she states "Every day at school counts. Even a few missed days can have a lasting impact on a child’s learning, wellbeing, and future … Continue reading New minimum attendance expectations
Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report
Professor Becky Francis's Curriculum and Assessment Review has been published alongside the Department for Education’s response. The Review delivers evidence-informed recommendations based on responses from young people, parents, teachers, and education experts, and more. This bulletin guides you through what this means for you, your school, and your pupils. The Review found that many aspects … Continue reading Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report
Strategic school improvement capital budget (SSICB)
The Department for Education has issued new guidance for potential incoming responsible bodies that may need capital funding to support a school joining a strong trust through the sponsorship funding route, i.e. academy trusts taking on new schools. It is aimed at situations where the costs of taking on a school might be prohibitive. You … Continue reading Strategic school improvement capital budget (SSICB)
Bridget Phillipson annonces Year 8 reading assessment
In her speech at the Confederation of School Trusts conference on 15 October Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson announced that statutory assessment in year 8 to assess reading fluency and comprehension is to be introduced. She followed this up with an open letter explaining her reasoning. You can read it on the DfE … Continue reading Bridget Phillipson annonces Year 8 reading assessment
Fraud awareness: good practice for education and training providers
The DfE has published guidance on fraud covering: general advice on fraud; suggestions for developing counter fraud policies and approaches; information on cyber related fraud You can download it here.
SEND reform
The Education Select Committee has published its long-awaited report on SEND reform on 18 September 2025. You can download it from the UK Parliament website here. Speech and Language UK gave the report an 8 out of 10 mark and identify two areas where it falls short - you can read about them on their … Continue reading SEND reform
New statutory guidance on RHSE comes into force
From September this year a new set of statutory guidance for RHSE has been published by the DfE. In paragraph 61 it states: "As well as fulfilling their legal obligations, governing boards and proprietors of academy trusts should also make sure that: all pupils make progress in achieving the expected educational outcomes teaching is accessible … Continue reading New statutory guidance on RHSE comes into force
Martyn’s law for education settings
The DfE have this month published a policy paper on how to implement the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's law. You can download the report here.
National behaviour survey report: 2023 to 2024 academic year
The DfE have recently published the latest report on school behaviour (for the academic year 2023-24). It covers school behaviour culture and policies, pupil experience, frequency and impact of misbehaviour and response. You can download the full report from the DfE website here, and some of the findings include: 98% of school leaders said they … Continue reading National behaviour survey report: 2023 to 2024 academic year
GCSE 9 to 1 grade scale explained
From DfE here's a guide to the GCSE 9 to 1 grade scale and how it compares to the previous A* to G scale. Link to DfE website.
Government speeds up reforms to protect children from harm
Vulnerable children are to be better protected from harm after the government speeds up children’s social care reforms that prioritise prevention through its Plan for Change. An extra £18 million will be spent on rolling out early intervention child protection reforms to councils in England to stop families from reaching crisis by strengthening leadership and … Continue reading Government speeds up reforms to protect children from harm
Statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education
The DfE have issued updated Statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education - you can download it here.
RISE teams: everything you need to know
Earlier this year, the DfE launched Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams. These teams, also known as regional school improvement teams, are a key part the DfE's strategy to drive up education standards in classrooms across England. RISE teams are currently working with over 200 schools identified by Ofsted as needing to improve. … Continue reading RISE teams: everything you need to know
National Year of Reading for 2026
The DfE and National Literacy Trust have joined forces to launch a National Year of Reading, starting in January 2026. Bringing together parents, schools, libraries, businesses and literacy experts, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure in children and young people, ensuring all children get the best start in life. Find … Continue reading National Year of Reading for 2026
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