Author: admin_73138
New vocational GCSEs
The government is rethinking what success at 16 looks like by introducing new vocational GCSEs to give 14-year-olds in England more choice — alongside core academic subjects. From 2029 such subject as building and construction, business and finance and child development will become options at GCSE. A great idea on Read more
Ofsted reporting: another overhaul already?
It’s hard to escape the sense that schools are once again being asked to adapt to a moving target. Ofsted’s new inspection framework and report cards only came into effect in November 2025, replacing the previous single overall judgement with grades across different areas, including achievement, inclusion, attendance and behaviour, Read more
Rebuilding English education pathways
🎓 Rebuilding education around more than one pathway The Prime Minister has pledged to “rebuild a comprehensive education system” and create greater parity between academic and technical education. Speaking at Labour Party Conference, Andy Burnham said too many young people had been “cast adrift” by a school system overly focused Read more
Europe’s Education Warning: The Results Are Falling
Europe’s education success story is showing serious cracks. The latest PISA results reveal dramatic falls across some of the continent’s best-known education systems. France and Germany recorded their worst results ever, while the Netherlands also hit an all-time low. Even Finland, once celebrated as a global education leader, saw scores Read more
New vocational education reforms
For generations, the traditional education route has been clear: GCSEs, A levels, university and then employment. Vocational education has often been seen as an alternative for pupils who are less academically inclined. Andy Burnham’s proposed reforms could begin to change that perception – with implications for relocating families and Read more
How should relocating families approach changes to Ofsted reports?
For families relocating to a new area, finding the right state school can be a major consideration when choosing where to live. For years, Ofsted ratings provided a convenient shortcut: look for schools rated “Outstanding” or “Good” and search for homes nearby. But that approach no longer tells the Read more
AI – information without context?
For today’s parents, artificial intelligence has become an always-on research assistant. Whether you’re comparing school performance, decoding admissions criteria, or trying to understand catchment areas, AI can surface answers in seconds. What once required trawling through council websites, forums, and spreadsheets can now be condensed into a single, tidy Read more
Has VAT changed the face of independent schooling forever?
The introduction of VAT on private school fees in January 2025 has had a significant impact on the independent education sector in the UK. While it is difficult to attribute school closures and changes in pupil numbers to any single factor, more than 100 private schools have reportedly closed, Read more
What are Advanced Placements (APs) and how are they viewed in UK higher education
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are a cornerstone of the U.S. high school system, designed to offer students college-level academic experiences before they graduate. Administered by the College Board, AP classes span a wide range of subjects—from Calculus and Biology to History and English Literature—and culminate in standardized exams scored on Read more
SEND Reform: A System Under Pressure and the Implications for Families
Support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has become one of the most pressing challenges within the UK education system. Long criticised for being inconsistent, underfunded, and difficult to navigate, the system is now the focus of ongoing reform efforts aimed at improving both access and outcomes. Read more