Update on National Network of Special Schools for SBPs

The National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS) is a brand new network set up to support all of those involved in running special schools, hospital schools and alternative provision across England.  The initiative is supported by the Department for Education, and Schools North East is delighted to be facilitating the network. …

Schools Minister questioned by MPs on exams in 2021

The House of Commons Education Select Committee held an accountability session on Tuesday, questioning Minister for School Standards Nick Gibb. The questions focused on learning loss caused by the lockdown, ‘catch-up’, and changes to exams. Chair of the committee Robert Halfon MP began the session by asking what the Department for Education’s policy was on …

No half term ‘circuit breaker’ for schools in England

No plans for ‘circuit breaker’ this half term have been announced, despite growing speculation that half term would see a lockdown with an extended break for students to curb infection rates and devolved nations implementing similar measures.  A full lockdown, with possible extension of the half term had been widely speculated about, however no plans …

DfE takes questions on the impact of the pandemic

Shortly following the announcement on Monday that GCSEs and A Levels would be delayed in 2021, education ministers took questions from the House of Commons for departmental questions. The recentness of the announcement meant that questions around these examinations were limited. Nick Gibb answered questions on exams, arguing that they are the fairest form of …

Education Select Committee inquiry into ‘Left Behind White Pupils from Disadvantaged Backgrounds’

On Tuesday the Education Select Committee held the first evidence session of it’s inquiry into ‘Left Behind White Pupils from Disadvantaged Backgrounds’. This inquiry forms an initial step in a series of inquiries that the Committee will undertake on the issues faced by disadvantaged and left behind groups and how they can best be supported. …

School leaders get ‘Back to the Future’ at first virtual Summit

Now, more than ever, it is important for school leaders to have the opportunity to reflect on their practice, come together with colleagues from across the region, collaborate and share ideas. Under normal circumstances the Schools North East Summit is a flagship event for this very reason, but this year, because of covid,  we brought …

Action on testing and exams for 2020/21 is critical

Following last week’s survey of North East schools and increasing calls to move to CAGs by unions, this week it was announced that Scotland will be cancelling National 5 exams - equivalent to GCSEs. Schools North East is calling on the DfE to cancel SATs and modify exams to a hybrid form of assessment.  After …

Sunderland Trust provides evidence to help drive policy

A Trust operating in Sunderland and Teesside has contributed to an Education Select Committee paper which was published at the beginning of September. The Iris Learning Trust which operates three primary academies - Valley Road Academy, Highfield Academy and Teesville Academy; Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust who run 13 Academies; and Lockwood Primary School submitted …

Supporting your NQTs

Schools in the North East are eligible to sign up to the new Early Career Framework in advance of a national roll out next year. Stephanie Bingham, Programme Director at North East Teaching Schools Partnership explains more about the framework and how it can support you in the current challenging circumstances. While this year has …

We are Back at School – Hurray!

After 6 months studying from home, we (the children of Kingston Park Primary School) have happily returned to our classrooms! It is wonderful to be back but because of COVID–19, there are some restrictions and rules in place to keep us as safe as possible… During lessons, we each have our own pencil case, which …