Prime Minister announces social media ban for under-16s
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a social media ban for children aged under 16 which is expected to come into force next spring.
Sheffield Hallam drops plan to employ staff via subsidiary firm
University to keep employing academics directly after predictions that contribution rates to Teachers’ Pension Scheme will come down.
Specialist master’s ‘main victims’ of course-cutting spree
More than 300 social sciences programmes lost in past year, figures show, as critics bemoan decisions made on enrolment numbers alone.
‘Brain architects, not babysitters’: Norland aims for university title
Amid concern over graduate outcomes and the declining value of a degree, one UK higher education provider that boasts a practically perfect employability record is setting its sights on official recognition – and disproving those who might question whether its students need to...
Understanding where global higher education is heading means understanding China’s next moves
Glen Noble gets across what the Chinese government’s recent five-year plan means for international scientific collaboration and UK universities.
Unhealthy school food ‘fuels disruptive behaviour’
Findings come as the government’s consultation on school food standards closes, ahead of new rules in September.
King’s Birthday Honours: heads and MAT leaders recognised
Multi-academy trust CEOs and headteachers are among many education figures included in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
The key changes to Ofsted inspection for 2026-27
Ofsted publishes updated grading toolkits and guides for inspectors coming into effect from September.
£60m framework to supply phone pouches for schools
Lockable pouches that prevent students from accessing their devices during the school day are central to the DfE’s plans for ‘phone‑free’ schools.
DfE set to publish new enrichment benchmarks for schools
The government is set to publish enrichment benchmarks for schools this week, alongside announcing a £132.5 million scheme to fund activities in schools.
King’s birthday honours recognise school leaders
Headteachers, academy leaders, trustees, school support staff and charity leaders are among those recognised for their services to education in the King’s birthday honours.
Ofsted: The key changes to school inspection from September 2026
Ofsted inspectors will look more closely at whether pupils with “barriers to their learning or wellbeing” are achieving well in schools from September.
GCSE natural history: what schools need to know
Pupils will learn how to identify plants, animals and fungi, as well as learn about climate change and habitats, under subject content proposals for the new natural history GCSE.
DfE set to publish enrichment goals for colleges
Colleges will be included in new government enrichment benchmarks to be published this week, but ministers have not said they will be eligible for funding from a new £132.5 million activities scheme.
King’s birthday honours 2026: Damehood for ex-FE commissioner Shelagh Legrave
Former FE commissioner Shelagh Legrave has been made a dame in the King’s birthday honour list.
Ofsted to test new SEND inclusion cash plans
Colleges and training providers receiving new SEND inclusion funding will have to show inspectors how the money is improving outcomes for students under updated Ofsted rules coming into force this September.
Government rolls out emergency MenB vaccine scheme for students
Around one million young people will be offered a meningitis B (MenB) vaccination this summer under a one-off government programme aimed at preventing outbreaks in universities and residential further education colleges.
Surge in EHCPs fuels latest rise in SEND pupils, DfE data shows
The number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen by 5.2% to more than 1.8 million over the past year, according to data released by the Department for Education.
King’s Birthday Honours: top accolades for data science pioneers
University of Lancashire vice-chancellor and former chief executive of Advance HE also recognised in annual list.
Marking boycotters face heavy sanctions as assessments disrupted
Edinburgh extends pay deductions to those who refuse to cover for colleagues taking part in industrial action.