An Ofqual investigation into the grade boundaries for A-level maths has found there is no reason to re-visit grades given in 2018, despite considerably lower grade boundaries last year. The exams watchdog said it would investigate “unusual” changes in the
Astrea ‘fires’ governors after they raise questions over finances
An academy trust “fired” a school’s board of governors and accused them of causing “reputational damage” just one week after they complained about financial management. Former governors at Dearne Advanced Learning Centre, in Barnsley, claim they were left unable to
Pupils in MATs achieve below national average in key stage 2 tests
Fewer pupils in academy trusts reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at key stage two than the national average, new data shows. Performance measures published by the Department for Education this morning reveal that 64 per cent
Exam malpractice: More pupils caught with mobile phones
The number of pupils caught with mobile phones in exams continues to rise, while the number of teachers penalised for exam malpractice has fallen. Figures from Ofqual show the number of penalties issued to pupils rose by 11 per cent
Johnson told to ‘shelve election rhetoric’ and deliver for schools
Boris Johnson has been urged to “shelve the election rhetoric” and deliver on his promise to invest in schools after delivering a Conservative majority. Boris Johnson this morning secured the biggest Conservative party election win since 1987, propelling him back
Lilac Sky Schools Academy Trust: Progress on Financial Investigation
For those who thought we had seen the last of the dreadful Lilac Sky Schools Academy Trust (LSSAT)I enclose a copy of a letter sent by the Government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which reports on the ESFA investigation
Support staff unions suspend School Cuts campaign backing until after election
Unions have suspended their support for the School Cuts campaign website to avoid falling foul of election rules. Since the election was called on October 31, UNISON, Unite and the GMB Union have pulled their support for the website, which
Use of schools as polling stations falls 10%
The number of schools used as polling stations has fallen by almost 10 per cent since the last election, but more than one in six will still be disrupted by voters. However, a Schools Week investigation has also found just
Harris Federation schools to ditch three-year GCSEs
One of the country’s largest academy trusts has told its schools to ditch three-year GCSEs by next September, despite warning the change will have “budgetary implications for any school”. Harris Federation has instructed its 27 secondary and all-through schools to
Candidates for Election in Tunbridge Wells know nothing of local non-selective places crisis
I posed the following education question on Radio Kent this morning to the five Tunbridge Wells candidates in the General Election: Plans for a new six form entry non-selective school in TW have collapsed as no sponsor came forward to