Top education news stories

1. 9 in 10 schools say Ofsted inspections negatively impact wellbeing, report finds

Review commissioned by watchdog finds significant negative wellbeing impact in half of schools, writes Schools Week.

The new findings are based on surveys of 699 education providers inspected between January and May, with 250 schools taking part. 88% of surveyed schools said their inspection had negatively affected their, or their staff’s wellbeing, with half reporting a significant impact.

Half of schools said their inspection caused an unmanageable level of workload. The report said “schools, and especially smaller schools reported that the workload…was a challenge”.

Oliver described reducing pressure on education leaders while upholding high standards for children as a “delicate balancing act”. “The data published today shows that we are on the right track,” he said. However, union bosses have renewed calls for government to review the inspection system.

Source: 9 in 10 schools say Ofsted inspections negatively impact wellbeing, report finds (schoolsweek.co.uk)

2. Ofsted’s research spin sparks motion of no confidence and strike threat

There is palpable anger this week from the profession at Ofsted’s attempts to spin the findings of its research into the impact of the new inspection framework, writes Sec-Ed.

The NAHT accused Ofsted of spinning the “truly terrible” research findings while ASCL has passed a motion of no confidence in Ofsted’s leadership and is consulting its members over industrial action in protest at the “damage being done by the new inspection system”.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said it was “simply unacceptable” that 88% of school leaders reported that their own wellbeing or that of their staff involved in the inspection, had been negatively affected by the process.

Last month, NAHT issued a “risk to life” warning as it presented a series of inspection testimonials from school leaders to education secretary Lucy Powell and claimed that inspections are still “seriously harming leaders’ health and safety”.

Source: Ofsted’s research spin sparks motion of no confidence and strike threat (Sec-Ed.co.uk)

3. 1 in 3 schools considering redundancies or restructuring

Heads’ leaders urge the government to put more investment into education in the Budget to prevent staff cuts and school closures, writes Tes.

Around 14% NAHT members surveyed said there had been a formal consultation about redundancies and/or a restructure at their school or trust, while 7% cited informal consultations and 15% said there had been discussions about it.

Ahead of the upcoming autumn Budget, the NAHT is urging the government to provide immediate additional investment into schools to prevent reductions in teachers, teaching assistants and leadership teams.

“[These cuts] can cause enormous damage to children’s learning,” said Mr Whiteman. “It can affect pupil-staff ratios and lead to bigger class sizes, making it harder to ensure children – including those who need support the most – get the attention they deserve.

Source: 1 in 3 schools considering redundancies or restructuring (Tes.com)

4. New RSHE curriculum introduced without promised training grants

Union leaders say lack of support for new relationships and sex education lessons is ‘disappointing’, writes Schools Week.

The DfE has now said the funding has been “incorporated” into the separate violence against women and girls’ (VAWG) prevention programme, which will “test and trial the best ways to support schools” from this month until 2029. The DfE also said schools would receive the same financial support, but that they were not “formally” grants.

Union leaders have criticised the DfE, with the PSHE Association warning support was “needed urgently, not in three years’ time.” Margaret Mulholland, the SEND and inclusion specialist at ASCL, said schools “desperately need support and space to prepare” for the new lessons.

Source: New RSHE curriculum introduced without promised training grants (schoolsweek.co.uk)

5. National curriculum consultation delayed until ‘later this year’

School leaders voice frustration as delay to consultation on study and subject content confirmed, writes Tes.

The DfE has said: “We will consult on curriculum and assessment reform arrangements by the end of the year and publish the final content as soon as possible next calendar year, giving schools time and support to prepare for first teaching in September 2028.”

The government has said previously that it will implement the updated national curriculum for first teaching from September 2028 and that it will “aim” to publish the final revised national curriculum by spring 2027 – giving schools four terms to prepare for the changes.

Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at the NAHT school leaders’ union, described the timeline slip as “disappointing”.

“Even under the original proposals, schools would have had only four terms to prepare for significant curriculum changes across all subjects and year groups. If that implementation period is reduced further, schools will need additional practical support to prepare effectively,” she said. Other union leaders shared these concerns.

Source: National curriculum consultation delayed until ‘later this year’ (Tes.com)