Faith groups run some of the best schools in the country, including in some of the most disadvantaged areas.   Current rules mean that religious free schools are only allowed to offer 50% of places to pupils based on faith. Some ..read more

In August, pupils in England will find out their results for GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQ (vocational technical qualifications) exams.  Ahead of results day, schools, colleges and assessment centres should contact pupils directly to tell them how and ..read more

Year 6 pupils in England will soon be taking the key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum tests, which are often referred to as SATs.   The assessments are used to measure school performance and to make sure individual pupils are ..read more

We’re making the biggest investment by a UK government into childcare in history. Parents have the flexibility to choose how they spend their government-funded hours – and many are opting to use childminders. Being a childminder is a rewarding role where you can ..read more

Parents of three and four-year-olds will soon find out what primary school has offered their child a place for the next academic year.  The majority of pupils will be offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools, while most will be offered their top choice.   Here, we explain everything you need to know about primary school offer day, from when you can expect to find out, to how to appeal a decision.  When is primary school offer day and what time are school places released?   Parents will find out which primary school has offered their child a place ..read more

England has some of the highest quality childcare provision in the world, with 96% of early years settings rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding. But we recognise that childcare is also one of the biggest costs facing working families today.  That’s why we’re making the biggest investment by a UK government into childcare in history, doubling the amount we expect to spend over the next few years from around £4 billion to around £8 billion each year.  By September 2025, working parents will be able to claim 30 hours of government-funded childcare a week, over 38 weeks of the year, a ..read more

We’ve allocated over £17 billion since 2015 for keeping schools all over the country in good condition. That includes £1.8 billion for the 2024-25 financial year. Most of the funds are given to local authorities, large multi-academy trusts, and large voluntary aided school groups, to invest in maintaining and improving the condition of their schools. Other funding is targeted on essential maintenance projects at small and stand-alone academy trusts, other voluntary aided schools, and sixth-form colleges. Schools and sixth form colleges are also allocated their own capital funding to spend on ..read more

All pupils should have access to the resources and support needed to fulfil their potential. Last year, we unveiled an ambitious plan, which set out our aims to change the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision system in England. Over the past year, we’ve been delivering against this plan and rolling out measures to ensure the educational system meets the needs of all children and young people. Here’s everything you need to know. What are we doing to improve provision for pupils with SEND? Councils are required to provide services for children and young pe ..read more

Being active can have a hugely positive impact on children’s physical and mental health. Announced on International Women’s Day last year, our plans also make it clear that girls and boys should be able access the same sports. We have also published new guidance to help schools provide equal access to sport for their pupils, regardless of their background or whether they are a boy or a girl. Here’s what you need to know. How will the school sport announcement help girls play more sport? Building on our commitments made to the Lionesses following their historic Euros 2022 victory, schools ..read more

Cases of measles are rising across England, including among children. It’s an infection that spreads very easily and for some people can cause serious problems. There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the routine childhood vaccinations, so most children are already vaccinated against measles. If your child has received both doses of the vaccine, they are unlikely to have the virus. Here, we explain everything you need to ..read more