Highlights of the week ending 1 July
Ministers and DfE have had a busy week making announcements, and publishing research, statistics, and consultations. The biggest news was the changes to the Schools Bill, currently being scrutinised by Peers in the House of Lords. Following opposition to the plans to give Whitehall greater powers over academies, large sections of the Bill will be removed. In addition, DfE is reviewing how it works with academy trusts. In more welcome news for ministers, respondents to the consultation on another Schools White Paper policy, bringing schools with two consecutive judgements below ‘Good’ in scope for intervention, agreed that such schools should be better supported to improve.
The latest stage of the review of level 3 qualifications was published, with consultations from Ofqual and IfATE. These relate to the so-called alternative qualifications (such as BTEC and applied general qualifications). Respondents have until the 10 of August to provide their views. Related to this, the Association of Colleges has warned against defunding qualifications too quickly as it could lead to a rise in NEETs.
UCAS released research, supported by Pearson, recommending earlier support for disabled students entering higher education.
Pearson published its analysis of over educators’ views in School Report: Schools Today, Schools Tomorrow. The report sets out the current challenges, recommendations, and hopes of teachers in England.