federations

Federations – What you need to know

PAG Staff2025, Case Studies, DfE, Governance, Leadership, Local Authorities, Policy, Schools

Federations: What you need to know The introduction of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill into the House of Commons signals a significant shift in England’s education policy. It offers, prima facie, a renewed focus on collaboration, equity, and local governance. By empowering local authorities to open schools, ending the automatic academisation of failing schools, and the ‘concept of a plan’ …

Ofsted report

Ofsted Annual Report 2023/24: Driving Change in Education

PAG Staff2024, Article, Case Studies, DfE, Early Years, free schools, Governance, Policy, Schools, SEND

Ofsted’s Annual Report 2023/24: Driving Change in Education The 2023/24 Ofsted Annual Report represents a transformative chapter in the evolution of England’s education and social care landscape. After a period of unease and scrutiny for the divisive organisation, and under the leadership of Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, the report reflects the outcomes of the most extensive consultation in …

unregistered ap

Unregistered AP: Challenges, Reforms, and the Future

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Attainment Gap, Case Studies, DfE, free schools, Local Authorities, Safeguarding

Unregistered Alternative Provision: Challenges, Reforms, and the Future What is Unregistered AP?  Unregistered AP typically caters to students who are unable to thrive in mainstream education settings due to behavioral issues, special educational needs, or other challenges. However, the absence of regulation and consistent standards has led to systemic weaknesses that place vulnerable children at risk. Unlike registered schools, these settings …

MAT Trends

Multi-Academy Trust Trends 2023-24

PAG Staff2024, Article, Case Studies, free schools, Government reporting, Policy, Schools

Multi-Academy Trusts: Trends and Insights from 2023-24In recent years, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) in the UK have navigated through mixed signals regarding their growth and expansion. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the MAT program, a somewhat divisive Conservative invention, the new Labour government’s stance is leaning towards a focus on raising educational standards rather than structural changes en masse. Even so, there …

Education Policy

What Labour’s victory could mean for education policy

PAG Staff2024, Article, Case Studies, free schools, Government reporting, Policy, Schools, SEND

What Labour’s victory could mean for education policyWith the projected Labour victory seemingly all but confirmed after yesterday’s General Election, a new government means a shift towards new policies. Below we take a look at the education policy Labour laid out while on the campaign trail; from the controversial plan to tax independent schools to delivering free breakfast clubs for …

SEND budgets

The Growing SEND Budget Crisis

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Article, Case Studies, DfE, Early Years, free schools, Fund, Local Authorities, Schools, SEND

The Growing SEND Budget CrisisCouncils across England are facing alarming shortfalls in their SEND budget, critical for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The BBC recently uncovered that councils predict a deficit nearing £1 billion in funds allocated for these students. This shortfall is exacerbated by increasing demands and mounting financial pressures on local authorities.Escalating Deficits and …

AI in education

AI in Education

PAG Staff2024, AI, Article, Case Studies, Leadership, online resources, Policy, Safeguarding, Schools

AI in EducationArtificial intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads into the UK’s educational landscape. According to a recent Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) survey, about half of the educators in the UK are leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard for various aspects of their teaching. This surge in AI usage is transforming educational practices, both offering promising opportunities …

pupil wellbeing

School Pilot Aims to Boost Pupil Wellbeing and Social Skills

PAG StaffArticle, Case Studies, DfE, free schools, Inequalities, Leadership, Schools

School Pilot Aims to Boost Pupil Wellbeing and Social Skills All Saints Catholic College, located near Ladbroke Grove in North Kensington, is launching a 10-week pilot program that aims to extend school hours and ban phones in an effort to improve pupil wellbeing and enhance communication skills. The initiative, designed to somewhat mimic a “private school service” at a fraction of …

academy conversion

Academy Conversions & MAT Formation

PAG Staff2024, Case Studies, free schools, Governance, online resources, Project Management, Schools, Transition

Academy Conversions & MAT Formation In the last decade, the landscape of the English education system has undergone significant transformations, with a prominent shift towards the conversion of traditional state schools into academies, and the formation of multi-academy trusts (MATs). This movement has reshaped the way education is managed and delivered, offering a new paradigm that promised enhanced autonomy, tailored educational …

Title reads 'A PAG report on establishing children's homes

Children’s Homes: A PAG Report

PAG Staff2024, Article, Case Studies, Independent schools, Local Authorities, Policy, Schools, wellbeing

Children’s Homes:A PAG Report The landscape of children’s social care in England is evolving, with the government committing significant resources to expand and improve children’s home placements. Using publicly available data and studies, and our own experience and expertise, PAG has produced a report titled ‘Establishing Children’s Homes’, looking into what it takes to successfully establish and operate a children’s home …