Stuck schools

Stuck Schools: DfE sets out plans

PAG Staff2025, Case Studies, DfE, free schools, Government reporting, Inequalities, Policy, Schools, wellbeing

Stuck Schoools: DfE sets out plans ​In February 2025, the UK government unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address the persistent issue of ‘stuck’ schools—those that have consistently received poor Ofsted ratings over extended periods. This initiative aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a high-quality education, as well as “an excellent teacher for every …

SEND crisis

Fixing the SEND Crisis – Solutions That Can’t Wait

PAG Staff2025, alternative provision, DfE, free schools, Inequalities, Leadership, Local Authorities, SEND

Fixing the SEND Crisis – Solutions That Can’t Wait  As has been widely documented and reported on – the SEND crisis is at breaking point. With rising costs, limited provision, and stretched local authority resources, too many children are missing out on the education and support they not only need, but deserve. We were proud to submit evidence to the …

turing scheme

The Turing Scheme

PAG Staff2025, bid writing, DfE, Grant, Schools

The Turing Scheme: Unlock Global Opportunities for Your Students  The DfE’s Turing Scheme is now open for applications, offering schools and colleges the chance to secure funding for students to study and work abroad. With opportunities to gain invaluable international experience, develop key employability skills, and expand their horizons, this scheme is a game-changer for educational institutions looking to enhance …

trust finances

Kreston Reeves Academy Report: An In-Depth Look at Trust Finances

PAG Staff2025, Article, DfE, free schools, Fund, Leadership, Local Authorities, Schools, SEND

Kreston Reeves Academy Benchmarking Report 2025:Key Insights on the State of Trust Finances  The Kreston Reeves Academies Benchmarking Report 2025 provides a critical analysis of the financial health, funding trends, and operational challenges facing Academy Trusts across England. With increasing financial pressures, shifting government policies, and changing pupil demographics, the report offers essential insights for MAT leaders, school finance professionals, …

Alternative Provision Guidance

DfE Alternative Provision Guidance 2025

PAG Staff2025, alternative provision, DfE, Local Authorities, online resources, Policy, Safeguarding, Schools, SEND, Transition

DfE Alternative Provision Guidance 2025: What Schools, Trusts, and Local Authorities Need to Know  The Department for Education (DfE) has published its updated alternative provision (AP) guidance, replacing the 2013 version. With new policies, statutory expectations, and a stronger focus on reintegration, this guidance provides critical updates for local authorities, MATs, and schools arranging alternative provision for students. In this …

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 …

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: A Transformative Shift in English Education Policy

PAG Staff2024, Article, DfE, free schools, Government reporting, Local Authorities, Policy, Press Release, Schools, SEND

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill:A Transformative Shift in English Education Policy  The UK government this week unveiled its Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a legislative proposal that has sent shockwaves of sorts through the sector, designed to reshape the landscape of education governance, teacher pay, school admissions, and children’s welfare in schools. Containing significant changes aimed at promoting equity, …

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 …

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, …

Bridget Phillipson

Bridget Phillipson’s Faces First Education Questions from MPs

PAG Staff2024, Article, DfE, free schools, Government reporting, Local Authorities, Policy, Schools

Bridget Phillipson Faces First Education Questions from MPs  Bridget Phillipson and her ministerial team faced their first round of questions from MPs yesterday after Labour’s victory in the July election. The topics, centered around some of the most pressing issues in education today, included SEND education, the ongoing funding challenges, private schools, and the relationship between the government and teachers’ …