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, and …

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 blog, …

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, standardisation, …

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 …

retained advisory

A Conversation with Emma Bradshaw, Executive Principal and CEO of Alternative Learning Trust

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Article, CEO, free schools, Interview, Profiles, Schools, SEND, Testimonials

A Conversation with Emma Bradshaw, Executive Principal and CEO of Alternative Learning TrustPAG 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 best …

Labour party education

Labour Party Education Reforms: Points from the 2024 Conference

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

Labour Party Education Reforms:Major Talking Points from the 2024 ConferenceThe 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 agenda …

Ofsted

Ofsted’s New Look

PAG Staff2024, Article, Governance, Local Authorities, Schools, SEND

Ofsted’s New Look On 16 September 2024, significant changes to the Ofsted school inspection framework came into effect, aimed at increasing transparency and reducing pressure on school leaders. These changes were designed to address long-standing concerns about the inspection framework and to create a more supportive environment for school leaders and staff while maintaining accountability following widespread debate and feedback, particularly …

private schools

Private Schools and VAT: Labour Publishes New Details on Policy

PAG Staff2024, Article, DfE, Government reporting, Independent schools, Policy, Schools, SEND

Private Schools and VAT: Labour Publish New Details on PolicyLabour has today published new details on it’s oft-controversial plan to change the way VAT is applied to private schools. Perhaps not coincidentaly following on from the news that there is a “£20 billion black hole” in the country’s finances, the policy is intended to generate significant revenue but has in …

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 …

Education policies

Major Parties’ Key Education Policies

PAG Staff2024, Article, Early Years, free schools, Inequalities, Leadership, Policy, Schools, SEND

The Major Parties’ Key Education PoliciesThe UK general election is tomorrow, and education is a key issue for many voters up and down the country. Here’s a detailed roundup of the major parties’ key education policies, giving you a clear understanding of the parties addressing the issues vital to you.The Conservative PartyThe Conservative party is focusing it’s education policies on …