Highlights of the week ending 11 March
The Secretary of State, Nadhim Zahawi, trailed the upcoming Schools White Paper in his address to the ASCL annual conference, reiterating his focus on literacy and numeracy. He announced that Oak National Academy will become a new arms-length curriculum body (a move questioned by some in the sector) and a continuation of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The sector awaits the first education White Paper since 2016 with interest .
Education catch up is once again in the headlines as the Education Committee published its much anticipated report into the National Tutoring Programme. Robert Halfon’s committee of MPs found “concerning evidence of inequality in learning during Covid” and questioned the effectiveness of the government’s current programme, in particular delivery partner Randstad. Following the publication of NTP figures which were below target, Nadhim Zahawi moved to shift funding towards the school-led part of the catch up programme.
The NAO published its report into regulating the financial sustainability of English HE providers – timely given the recent government response to Augar. It found a rise in those with an in-year deficit and set out a number of recommendations, including improving the accountability and sector understanding of regulator, the OfS.
And in Scotland, the government has announced reforms to support learners and teacher with the creation of three bodies to oversee improvement in education. They will replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland.