Highlights of week ending 30 April 2021
In a speech to the Confederation of School Trusts, the Education Secretary restated the Government’s ambition to build on the multi-academy trust system, which would see schools with a history of long-term underperformance being brought into existing trusts, and a new “try the academy experience before they buy” process.
Ofqual has confirmed details on submitting grades and evidence for this year’s GCSEs, AS and A Level grades. The guidance outlines the timetable which includes schools and colleges submitting their students’ grades from 26 May until 18 June. Simon Lebus said “we are very conscious of teacher workload. The sample is relatively small and should not take too long for exams officers to submit.”
A new poll by the Sutton Trust has found that over a third (34%) of headteachers are using funding they get for poorer pupils to plug general gaps in their school’s budget. This figure has risen from 23% in 2019. Sir Peter Lampl, chair of the Sutton Trust said it was “concerning” to see heads using premium funding to “plug general budget gaps”.
Labour leader, Keir Starmer has pledged to back opportunities for young people to “earn and learn” as Labour claim new analysis shows “the Conservatives are failing to deliver on their promises to young people.”
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