GENERAL:
World Economic Outlook. The IMF published its assessment for the world economy this year, pointing to ‘a small upward revision’ globally to 3.3% although less for the UK but with much depending on geopolitical let alone domestic tensions along with the impact of AI.
Going for growth. The Resolution Foundation acknowledged government efforts to restore stability and plan for growth despite the uncertainties created by its increasing number of policy U-turns, but called for bolder policy making particularly in the areas of planning, trade and the labour market, especially employment among the under 25s and over 50s.
Labour market. The ONS published its latest initial figures on the UK labour market for last autumn showing wage increases remaining steady but the unemployment rate up, vacancies improving only slightly and youth unemployment remaining a big worry.
WorkWell. The government announced the national rollout of its ‘WorkWell’ service, aimed at helping those with health conditions to stay or return to work with multiple local agencies including GP referrals and Jobcentre Plus lined up to offer support. SCHOOLS:
Education spending. The IfS reported that per pupil spending fell by 10% over the last decade but is now back to 2010/11 levels at £7,800 per secondary pupil currently but likely to remain tight with SEND volumes a major concern, as it published its latest annual report on education spending in England
Education Secretary at BETT. Bridget Phillipson addressed this year’s annual BETT Conference where she ran through the latest work the government was doing on harnessing tech safely before going on to set out some key goals for AI in education.
Online safety consultation. The government announced that it would launch a 3-month consultation on ‘further measures to keep children safe online,’ including possibly banning social media for those aged under 16 and raising the digital age of consent as well as options such as curfews and functions to restrict additive scrolling.
Guidance on mobile phones. The government issued new guidance for schools on how best to implement and communicate guidance on prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools, covering the roles of staff, parents and students, including the use of searches and sanctions where necessary.
MATs and AI. The Education Policy Institute reported on how multi-academy trusts were approaching the use of AI, showing many already using it for office admin, reducing teacher workloads and supporting some student learning but looking to know more about what works best and how experience could be shared.
Leaders poll. The NAHT reported on its latest poll of school leaders pointing to the pressures school leaders are working under which are leaving increasing numbers seeking mental health support, calling for a funded entitlement to ‘professional supervision.’ I have a complaint. The government, Parentkind and other leading bodies set out a five-step checklist for those wishing to make a complaint to schools, including how to raise a complaint and when to expect a response, as well as where things can sometimes go wrong.
Ready for school? The Early Years charity, Kindred Squared, published its latest annual school readiness report suggesting that the number of children who are school ready has ‘declined significantly’ since 2024, with for example 26% not toilet trained and 25% struggling with basic language skills, an increase in both cases on two years ago. FE/SKILLS:
Education spending. The IfS pointed to government plans to increase FE and skills funding by £300m over the next 3 years following a fall in the previous decade, with spending per 16-18 FE student at £7,900 but still 8% lower than in 2010/11 with that on adult education and skills largely unchanged.
Refreshed Strategy. City and Guilds launched a ‘refreshed’ Social Value Strategy built around five pillars including creating opportunities for learners, working with employers and supporting economic growth.
FE teacher educators. The Gatsby Foundation reported on the role of teacher educators in FE, noting that not a lot is known about them or their work and calling for greater understanding of their role and potential impact. HE:
Education spending. The IfS pointed to a 22% drop since 2012/13 in real terms in the teaching spend for universities as it published its latest annual report on education spending in England, acknowledging that the recent increase in the fee cap in line with inflation will help many institutions but that the cost of loan repayments will remain challenging for many students.
International Education. The government published its promised new International Education Strategy built around ‘ambitions’ rather than targets, listing three, including strengthening partnerships and markets abroad, supporting ‘sustainable’ international student recruitment and growing education exports to the tune of £40bn pa by 2030.
Cash flows. The Times reported on its latest funding analysis so far for some 100+ UUK registered universities indicating that 30 have operating deficits, the same as last year, but that fewer than 10% had negative cash flows.
Bank of Mum and Dad. The NUS published the results of a new survey showing that over half of parents surveyed contribute over £200 a month to their child’s university living expenses, calling for parental income thresholds which are used to means test maintenance loans, to be adjusted to reflect inflation.
Turing Scheme 2026/27. The government confirmed that it was inviting schools, colleges and HE institutions to apply for placements abroad under the Turing Scheme for the coming year.
Drone degree. The government announced that the New Model Institute for Tech and Engineering (NMITE) will launch a degree in drone technology from this September, helping to provide for the specialist skills identified by the Strategic Defence Review.
How much? The Student Loans Company outlined the latest details on living cost support for students in England for this year and next with charts showing minimum and maximum maintenance loan levels available.
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