Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “free schools”
Stuck Schools: 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 …
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 …
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, …
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’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 …
A Conversation with Emma Bradshaw, Executive Principal and CEO of Alternative Learning Trust PAG puts our clients and, ultimately the children and communities they serve, at the heart of everything we do. While we don’t set foot in the classroom (though some of us did before joining the company), we know that by working with our clients to deliver the …
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, …
Labour Party Education Reforms:Major Talking Points from the 2024 Conference The 2024 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool has brought a renewed focus on education, with the party outlining its vision for tackling critical challenges facing schools in England. From introducing free breakfast clubs to addressing the systemic issues within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, the Labour Party education …
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’ …
Moving Beyond Ofsted’s Single Headline Grades As was expected, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced that from today, schools will no longer be assessed using Ofsted’s single headline grades, often referred to as single-word judgements. This move marks the beginning of a broader overhaul of the school accountability system, with the introduction of School Report Cards reportedly set for …