Cultural figures hope proposed shake-up of curriculum can reverse years of ‘madness’ in which arts were devalued

For years, Britain’s leading cultural figures have warned that substandard arts provision in schools is devaluing the sector and creating an increasingly elite industry. But the government’s proposed shake-up of the national curriculum, which includes scrapping the English...

When I heard it was dumbing down education, my heart sank. In fact, it’s outspoken about the chaos of Michael Gove’s reforms and the changes needed

Schooling in Britain today is where medicine was in the days of bleeding and leeches. It is trapped in the past, between teachers wedded to their subjects and politicians obsessed with tests. Doctors generally know if they have cured you, lawyers...

The BBC has seen the report which points out issues with fire doors, fire exits and the storage of combustibles at Lenzie Academy.

A pilot scheme where students eat nutritious breakfasts using donated surplus food builds on the ‘folkhem’ welfare model to boost health and sustainability

Students at Mariebergsskolan, a secondary school in Karlstad, Sweden, make their way to the canteen to grab a juice shot. This morning’s options include ginger and lemon, apple, golden milk, lemon and mint, or strawberry and orange....

A dozen schools in the Cathedral Schools Trust are shut or partially closed because of the two-day action.

Michelle Stant is found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct at a misconduct hearing.

In a statement the institution also says it is “proposing to reduce its nursing offer”.

In today’s newsletter: After decades of political tinkering, a new review of England’s national curriculum promises change without chaos – but can it really add without overwhelming​?

Good morning. I’m Martin Belam, and this is my first time in your inbox for First Edition – though you may already know me from Guardian live blogs, my Doctor Who obsession, and the increasingly silly...

Reliance on overseas students’ tuition fees under scrutiny as scholars describe chilling effect of being targeted

UK academics whose research is critical of China say they have been targeted and their universities subjected to “extremely heavy” pressure from Beijing, prompting calls for a fresh look at the sector’s dependence on tuition fee income from Chinese students.

The academics spoke out...

Singer says changes reflect points raised in open letter to PM organised by his foundation with over 600 signatures

Ed Sheeran has taken partial credit for the government’s move to overhaul the teaching of music in England’s state schools, shortly after being mentioned by the education secretary in parliament.

The Department for Education (DfE) said it wanted to broaden the appeal of music...

Ministers are making changes to the curriculum in England after a review of what is taught in schools.

In an age of increasingly capable machines, it makes sense for schools to value creativity and life skills as part of a well-rounded education

Societies evolve and schools are under pressure to adapt, but some features of education policy are perennial. For example, modernisation will always be denounced as a dilution of standards. Inevitably, Conservatives have leapt on recommendations by an...

A report shared exclusively with the Guardian documents how a civil rights law has become a tool to impose ideological priorities on US schools

US government investigations into universities over antisemitism allegations surged following the 7 October 2023 attacks and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza, with more investigations open in the last two months of that year than in the two decades...

Experts say pupils should spend less time in exam halls and more time on activities like life skills, sport and work experience

National curriculum review: 10 key recommendations

A review of England’s curriculum has recommended reducing the amount of content and emphasis on exams and instead focusing more on life skills and “enrichment”.

The review, led by Prof Becky Francis, wants pupils to...

Proposals include shortening length of GCSE exams, a new diagnostic test in maths and English, and expanding RE

Curriculum ‘should focus less on exams and more on life skills’

The year-long curriculum and assessment review headed by Prof Becky Francis was asked by the government to look at primary, secondary and aged 16-19 phases of state education in England. It heard more than 7,000 responses...

Dorset Council is considering a number of proposals for Weymouth, including a new university.

Sensitive research into alleged human rights abuses is alleged to have been shut down by Chinese agents.

Union had sought permission to apply for judicial review over watchdog’s new inspection framework

A head teachers’ union is to consult members about possible industrial action after a high court judge dismissed its attempt to challenge Ofsted’s new inspection regime for schools in England.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) sought permission to apply for a judicial review,...

New Ofsted inspections will go ahead as planned this month after the NAHT union’s failed legal challenge.

Shoes are left at council offices to highlight issues of children with special educational needs.