Episode Description:

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing for Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers the government's announcement of the 2025-26 teacher pay award and significant wider recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) concerning teachers' terms and conditions.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. 4% Teacher Pay Rise Confirmed for September 2025: We detail the Department for Education's announcement that all teachers in England will receive a 4 per cent pay rise effective from September 2025. Understand the new minimum starting salaries for teachers (£32,916 nationally, up to £40,317 in London) and the updated pay scales for Main, Upper, Leadership, and Headteacher ranges across England, including specific London bands. We also cover the 4% increase to Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments and the uplift for unqualified teacher pay scales. Analyse the immediate implications for school budget planning and financial management.

   Keywords: Teacher pay rise England 2025-26, 4 percent teacher salary increase, DfE teacher pay announcement, new teacher pay scales, M1 starting salary, Upper Pay Scale U1 U3, Leadership pay scale, Headteacher pay groups, TLR payments, unqualified teacher pay.

   
   

2. STRB Calls for Major Reforms: Flexible Working, Targeted Pay & STPCD Review: Explore the key recommendations from the STRB's 35th report, issued alongside its pay advice. Delve into the call for mandatory school policies to "fully embrace" flexible working, with suggestions for implementation and oversight. Understand the proposal for new work on targeting remuneration to address teacher shortages in specific subjects or areas. Learn about the STRB's view that the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) needs "significant review" and "modernisation". We also cover the STRB's cautious stance on pension "innovation" potentially reducing total remuneration and its view on multi-year pay settlements. Analyse the potential long-term impact of these recommendations on school HR policies, career structures, and employment practices.

   Keywords: STRB 35th report recommendations, mandatory flexible working schools, targeted teacher pay shortages, School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document STPCD review, multi-year teacher pay settlements, Teachers’ Pension Scheme TPS opt-out, teacher remuneration reform.

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing for Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers significant proposed amendments to the government's Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently in the House of Lords, and news of a sudden leadership change at a major Multi-Academy Trust.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. Peers Seek to Water Down Schools Bill Powers with 500+ Amendments: We delve into the committee stage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in the House of Lords, where around 500 amendments have been tabled. Explore key proposals from peers including Shadow Education Minister Baroness Barran's attempts to limit the Education Secretary's broad new "direction" powers over trusts, extend academy pay freedoms to maintained schools, and restart paused free school projects. Understand former academies minister Lord Agnew's push to exempt 'good' academies from the national curriculum and align maintained school financial accountability with academies. Other significant amendments cover extending profit caps to independent special schools, free school meal expansion, school phone bans, faith school admission caps, collective worship, and branded uniform limits. Note the large number of amendments concerning home education tabled by Lord Wei. Analyse the potential impact of these proposed changes on school governance, operations, and central oversight.

   Keywords: Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, House of Lords amendments, Baroness Barran, Lord Agnew, Education Secretary direction powers, academy freedoms, free schools, independent special schools profit cap, maintained school accountability, faith school admissions, collective worship, school uniform policy, home education Lord Wei.

2. CEO of Large MAT GLF Schools Departs Suddenly After 18 Months: We report on the unexpected departure of Julian Drinkall as Chief Executive Officer of GLF Schools, one of England's largest MATs with 43 academies. Learn that he stepped down "effective immediately" by "mutual agreement" after less than 18 months in the role, with Chief Finance Officer James Nicholson appointed as interim CEO. Understand the context of Mr. Drinkall's tenure, during which GLF Schools undertook restructuring leading to £242,000 in redundancy payments in 2023-24 and a 4% reduction in staff numbers, alongside trialling a controversial mobile phone "blackout" app. Analyse the implications of this leadership change within a prominent MAT.

   Keywords: GLF Schools CEO departure, Julian Drinkall, James Nicholson interim CEO, Multi-Academy Trust leadership, MAT executive changes, academy trust restructuring, redundancy payments MATs, school mobile phone policy, Academies Enterprise Trust.

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers the first significant data on how new taxes are affecting the independent school sector, and important changes to the eligibility criteria for government funding to boost school Wi-Fi connectivity.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. Impact of VAT on Private Schools (ISC Census): We analyse the findings of the Independent Schools Council's (ISC) first annual census since Labour introduced VAT on private school fees and business rates. Discover the extent of pupil number changes, with a 2.4% drop (around 13,000 pupils) across participating ISC schools – significantly exceeding government estimates. Explore regional variations, with London least affected and the North/Midlands experiencing larger decreases. Understand how schools have adjusted fees, with an average 6.7% rise before VAT, then an average 5% cut, effectively passing on 14% VAT. Learn about the surprising increase in bursary provision, with schools providing over £1.1 billion in fee assistance. We also cover the contrasting views of the ISC's interim chair, Mark Taylor, citing a "triple whammy" on finances, and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who accused private schools of having "cried wolf".

   Keywords: ISC census 2025, private school VAT impact, independent school pupil numbers, business rates schools, school fees adjustment VAT, private school bursaries, Mark Taylor ISC, Bridget Phillipson private schools, Institute for Fiscal Studies fees.

   
   

2. School Wi-Fi Scheme ("Connect the Classroom") Eligibility Restricted to 'Stuck' Schools: Learn about the Department for Education's decision to limit the "Connect the Classroom" scheme, which provides grants for improving school Wi-Fi, exclusively to 'stuck' schools eligible for the new RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) support programme. Understand how this replaces the previous prioritisation of schools in Education Investment Areas (EIAs), a programme axed by the current government. We detail the £25 million funding available for 2025-26 and the government's rationale comparing it to the scheme's initial launch funding. Discover that around 400 'stuck' schools are set to benefit. We also touch on the discontinuation or review of other EIA-linked funding streams. Analyse the implications for schools previously in EIAs and the sharpened focus of this particular support on RISE schools.

   Keywords: Connect the Classroom scheme, school Wi-Fi funding UK, RISE schools support, DfE connectivity standards, Education Investment Areas EIA changes, school technology grants, Priority Education Investment Areas PEIA funding.

Key Briefings:

1. MAT Mergers Continue to Reshape the Sector: We report on the ongoing trend of academy trust mergers, exemplified by the planned union of Compass Partnership of Schools and Eko Trust to form a new 25-school MAT. Explore the drivers behind this consolidation, including the pursuit of "resilience and strength", enhanced staff development opportunities, and long-term stability, often in response to stretched school budgets. Understand the government data showing a clear shift: the average trust size has increased from 3.1 schools in 2019 to 5.3 in 2024, while the number of single-academy trusts continues to fall. Analyse the implications of this growing scale for school governance, local identity, and the diversity of the educational landscape.

   Keywords: MAT mergers UK, academy trust growth, Compass Eko Trust merger, average MAT size, single-academy trust decline, school consolidation, drivers for academy mergers, resilience in education, school funding pressures.

   
   

2. DfE Scrutinises Academy Trusts "Stockpiling Cash" in Reserves: Delve into the government's concern over academy trusts holding substantial financial reserves, with 64 trusts contacted by the DfE last year over holdings exceeding 20% of their annual income – some reaching as high as 140%. Understand the justifications provided by trusts, such as funding capital projects or mitigating financial uncertainties. Hear expert opinions from Micon Metcalfe on effective resource spending and Andrew Pilmore on leaders being "caught in a trap of caution". Explore examples of trusts with large reserves, including Ashton West End Primary Academy and Brampton Manor, and how some, like Carlton Academy Trust, are investing reserves to fund central services. Compare this with reserve management in LA-maintained schools, including local "excessive" thresholds and potential clawback. Note that the DfE took no further action against the 64 trusts contacted. Analyse the critical balance for trust leaders between prudent financial management and ensuring funds benefit current pupils.

   Keywords: Academy trust reserves, DfE scrutiny school finances, high school reserves, National Audit Office NAO academies, Micon Metcalfe school finance, Andrew Pilmore financial caution, Kreston report academy investment, LA school reserves policy, Academy Trust Handbook reserves.

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers a potential significant shift in Ofsted's timeline for new inspections and a call from a former academies minister for stricter conditions on financial bailouts for academy trusts.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. Ofsted May Postpone Roll-out of New School Inspections Until 2026: We explore reports suggesting Ofsted is considering delaying the introduction of its new inspection framework, featuring controversial report cards and a five-point grading scale, until January 2026, instead of the planned November 2025 launch. Understand the context: this follows significant backlash from the education sector, with over 6,000 responses to the recent consultation. Learn about the reasons for a potential delay, including giving Ofsted more time to refine plans based on feedback and allowing schools more preparation time. We also cover concessions Ofsted is already considering, such as simplifying grading and clarifying grade descriptors, alongside calls from unions like ASCL and NASUWT for a more thorough review and piloting process. Keywords: Ofsted new inspection framework delay, Ofsted report cards 2026, school inspection postponement, Ofsted consultation feedback, Sir Martyn Oliver Ofsted, five-point grading scale, ASCL NASUWT Ofsted response, Ruth Perry.

2. Calls for Merger Conditions on Academy Trust Bailouts (Lord Agnew): Delve into the demands from former academies minister Lord Agnew that academy trusts receiving government financial bailouts should face stringent conditions, such as enforced mergers or changes in "failing management". Understand the context: his comments follow recent multi-million pound loans to two Norfolk trusts (Broad Horizons Education Trust, Synergy Multi-Academy Trust) facing significant deficits attributed to lagged funding, falling rolls, and unfunded pay rises. Hear the perspective of the National Governance Association (NGA) warning against over-reliance on bailouts and calling for a sustainable long-term funding strategy. We also discuss concerns about the transparency of DfE bailout data and the wider issue of financial sustainability, with an NGA survey indicating a third of schools/trusts feel unsustainable. Keywords: Academy trust bailouts, Lord Agnew academies, DfE financial support MATs, school trust mergers, failing academy management, Broad Horizons Education Trust, Synergy Multi-Academy Trust deficit, NGA school financial sustainability, Dame Meg Hillier transparency.

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing for Thursday, May 1st, 2025. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers a new blueprint for tackling the school absence crisis, based on past successes, and the publication of Department for Education investigation outcomes into historic financial issues at several academy trusts.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. Blueprint to Tackle School Absence Crisis Unveiled: Explore the recommendations from Moira Wallace, former head of New Labour's Social Exclusion Unit, credited with significantly boosting school attendance in the 2000s. Her new paper outlines a strategy including: reviving public targets for reducing persistent/severe absence; mobilising a "national effort" involving cross-departmental collaboration (especially Health) and Treasury resources; addressing broad drivers like adolescent health, SEND support, family stress, and school engagement; supporting parents positively; rebuilding local partnerships; and learning from past initiatives like Excellence in Cities. Analyse the implications of this comprehensive, multi-agency approach compared to recent policies focused primarily on schools.

   Keywords: School absence crisis UK, persistent absence strategy, Moira Wallace attendance blueprint, school attendance targets, Social Exclusion Unit lessons, national effort school attendance, supporting parents attendance, local partnerships education, Excellence in Cities.

2. DfE Publishes Historic Academy Spending Investigation Outcomes: Learn about the findings from recently published DfE investigation 'outcome' reports concerning historic allegations at five academy trusts, noting the reduced detail and anonymity compared to previous report formats. Discover examples of identified breaches, including: inappropriate related-party transactions and conflicts of interest (Griffin Schools Trust); irregular spending on staff gift cards, alcohol, and events (Stephenson MK Trust); improper recruitment processes and misplaced funds (Tennyson Learning Community); questionable additional payments to senior staff (Lampton School Academy Trust); and accounting errors (Langdale Free School, now dissolved). Understand the importance of these findings as cautionary examples regarding compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.

   Keywords: DfE academy investigations published, academy trust financial mismanagement, related-party transactions academies, novel contentious spending, Griffin Schools Trust, Stephenson MK Trust gift cards, Tennyson Learning Community recruitment, Lampton School Academy Trust, Langdale Free School dissolved, Academy Trust Handbook compliance, ESFA investigations.

Audience: This briefing provides crucial analysis for Headteachers, Senior Leadership Teams (SLT), Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Leaders and executives, School Business Leaders (SBLs), Attendance Leads, Pastoral Leaders, and Governors across the UK.

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing for Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers the Department for Education's revised Initial Teacher Training (ITT) targets for 2025-26 and crucial evidence presented to Parliament regarding SEND provision and health service involvement.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. DfE Reduces Teacher Training Recruitment Targets for 2025-26: We detail the newly announced ITT recruitment targets, showing an overall 19.3% reduction from the current year. Understand the reasons cited by the DfE for lower primary (-18.6%) and secondary (-19.6%) targets, including falling pupil numbers, improved teacher retention forecasts (potentially linked to recent pay rises), and slower secondary cohort growth. Explore the mixed picture across secondary subjects, with targets increasing in some areas (e.g., History, Drama) but decreasing significantly in many others (e.g., MFL, Sciences, Maths). Hear NFER's analysis suggesting an improving recruitment outlook alongside NAHT's caution about cutting targets. Analyse the implications for school workforce planning and the delivery of the government's 6,500 new teacher pledge.

   Keywords: DfE ITT targets 2025-26, Initial Teacher Training recruitment UK, primary teacher targets, secondary teacher targets, teacher retention rates, NFER teacher supply analysis, NAHT ITT targets response, teacher subject shortages.

   
   

2. Experts Demand Increased Health Sector Accountability for SEND Provision: Delve into key evidence presented to the Parliamentary Education Select Committee concerning SEND support. Learn about the strong calls for the health sector, specifically NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), to take "increased accountability" alongside Local Authorities for SEND provision. Understand the arguments for statutory joint commissioning and enabling therapies like Speech and Language (SALT) to operate more flexibly across different levels of need. Hear warnings that significant ICB budget cuts are hindering collaboration and will impact SEND support, and that national NHS priorities are "crowding out" local partnership focus. Explore the specific pressures highlighted on Educational Psychologist (EP) and SALT services, including reduced early intervention capacity and "inordinately large" caseloads impacting access and staff retention. Analyse the implications for schools seeking timely and effective support for pupils with SEND.

   Keywords: SEND provision accountability UK, health sector SEND role, Integrated Care Boards ICB cuts, joint commissioning education health, NHS SEND impact, Educational Psychologist EP shortages funding, Speech and Language Therapy SALT caseloads, Education Select Committee SEND hearing.

Audience: This briefing provides crucial information for Headteachers, Senior Leadership Teams (SLT), SENCOs, MAT Leaders, School Business Leaders (SBLs), Governors, and ITT providers across the UK.

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing for Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers stark financial warnings about unfunded pay rises and an unexpected development in the NASUWT teaching union's leadership election.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. £800 Million School Funding Gap Warning Amid Pay Rise Speculation: We report on alarming analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) projecting an £800 million shortfall between school funding increases and rising costs this year, should potential teacher (~4%) and support staff (3.2%) pay rises be approved without additional government funding. Understand the context: the government has confirmed no extra funding is available if awards exceed departmental affordability. Hear warnings from United Learning CEO Jon Coles of potential "ruinous harm" and tens of thousands of redundancies sector-wide. Explore the growing cross-party concerns raised in Parliament regarding budget pressures and the impact of unfunded costs like National Insurance contributions. Analyse the critical implications for school leaders facing "impossible" budget decisions and profound uncertainty.

Keywords: School funding gap 2025, IFS analysis education, teacher pay rise 4 percent UK, support staff pay 3.2 percent, unfunded pay awards schools, school budget crisis, Jon Coles redundancy warning, parliamentary questions school funding.

2. NASUWT Re-opens General Secretary Election After Legal Challenge: Discover why the NASUWT teaching union has taken the unusual step of re-opening nominations for its General Secretary position just days after confirming Matt Wrack as the successor to Dr Patrick Roach. Learn about the legal challenge brought by union officer Neil Butler, who was initially blocked from standing despite Mr Wrack also being a non-member. Understand the outcome: Mr Wrack serves as acting leader while nominations re-open until May 26, potentially leading to a contested ballot. Analyse the implications of this procedural issue and leadership uncertainty within a major union during crucial pay negotiations.

Keywords: NASUWT General Secretary election re-run, Matt Wrack acting leader, Neil Butler legal challenge NASUWT, union election rules, teacher union leadership, NASUWT internal dispute.

Audience: This briefing provides vital information for Headteachers, Senior Leadership Teams (SLT), Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Leaders, School Business Leaders (SBLs), Governors, and union representatives across the UK.