ASCL in the news over UK school reforms and SEND funding plans; UK leaders’ group for headteachers of schools/colleges.
The Department for Education has announced extra funding to support teacher pay rises but requires schools to cover the first 1% of each increase. NEU and other unions say this is not fully funded and will put pressure on budgets, amid a two-year funding package for schools and colleges.
Pearson has delayed Key Stage 2 SATs results for England’s Year 6 pupils from July 7 to July 16 due to technical issues in marking and data transfer. The Department for Education is weighing penalties or canceling an £180m contract, while unions label the delay a fiasco that will disrupt schools, parents and pupils as the school year ends.
A cross‑country study using mobile phone data finds people retreat indoors during extreme heat, while malls and parks offer refuge. The UK and Europe face rising temperatures and pressure to adapt school and city infrastructure for resilience. Governments are rolling out heat action plans amid social inequalities in vulnerability.