UK trade union for teachers, lecturers, support staff and TAs
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
In a heated PMQs, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch trade barbs over Labour’s plan to tax private school fees to fund teachers in state schools. Badenoch labels Phillipson a “spiteful class warrior” as the exchange spills into social media and prompts a call for decorum from the speaker.
Progressive economists have written to Unite’s Sharon Graham opposing Miliband’s plan to expand North Sea oil and gas while Labour braces for Burnham’s leadership and a reshuffle of the Treasury. The debate centers on jobs, net zero and national security as ministers promise business‑as‑usual in the crisis week.
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.
England has progressed to the World Cup knockout stages after Harry Kane’s late double against DR Congo. The team is set to face Mexico in a pre-dawn game in Mexico City, prompting discussions on late-night viewing for fans and potential changes to school and work start times.
Pearson has delayed the Key Stage 2 SATs results in England from July 7 to July 16 due to technical issues in marking and data transfer. The Department for Education is considering penalties or cancelling the 180 million contract, while unions call the delay a shambles and demand reliable results.
Recent EPI findings show the education gap between poorer pupils and their wealthier peers has widened again across England, remaining larger at all stages than before the Covid pandemic. The report highlights particularly stark gaps in early years and at Key Stage 4, with London pupils occasionally outperforming peers from similar backgrounds.
The government has unveiled a major reform to place technical education on par with academic routes for 14-year-olds, starting from September 2028. The plan links studies to local jobs, expands work experience, and shifts school performance measures to reflect technical pathways. Reactions from unions and educators highlight funding and implementation questions amid a broader debate on youth unemployment and post-16 education.
The government has unveiled proposals to introduce technical subjects for 14-year-old pupils from September 2028, aiming to close gaps between vocational and academic paths. The plan has sparked a national debate about whether Britain overvalues degrees or risks limiting opportunities for those who need it most. Education unions demand more funding and clarity while warning that implementation hinges on investment in schools and staff.
Jason Arday, who resigned from the University of Cambridge after plagiarism allegations, has been found dead at his south London home. Police have said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Family and public figures have said he faced sustained harassment; Cambridge has said it will investigate his appointment and work.
A summer of record heat has disrupted schools and workplaces, with unions and researchers calling for safer conditions and investment in cooling. Schools have endured closures and high temperatures, while unions push for legal temperature limits and infrastructure upgrades to withstand climate extremes.