School uniform crackdown confirmed by Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham confirms new school uniform rules in England, closing a loophole on branded items. Caps: three items for primary, four for secondary pupils.
Category : Education Policy
Six new school rules in England from September 2026
From September 2026, six new school rules take effect in England, including attendance targets, free school meals expansion, and a cap on branded uniform items, saving parents up to £50.
New school attendance targets from September
From September 1, every school in England will get individual attendance targets. The Department for Education will contact schools that miss them. Education minister Paul Waugh says every school has a role to play.
DfE confirms changes to compulsory GCSE resits in England
The Department for Education confirms action to reduce compulsory GCSE resits in England after a UCL study found they harm teenagers' mental wellbeing.
DfE confirms attendance targets for mainstream schools from Sept 1
From September 1, every mainstream state school in England will get its own attendance target under new DfE guidance, addressing local challenges and encouraging Friday activities.
State schools to get attendance targets from Sept 2026
The Department for Education confirms every mainstream state school in England will get its own attendance target from September 2026, aiming to reduce Friday absences with new guidance on clubs and enrichment activities.
New school attendance targets from September 1
From September 1, state schools in England will receive personalised attendance targets, set by the DfE, with monitoring and escalation for underperformance, but no penalties for pupils.
State pension age could rise to 68 earlier than planned
The state pension age could increase to 68 between 2037 and 2039, affecting those born after April 6, 1977, as ministers consider an accelerated timetable.
New School Attendance Targets and Friday Clubs Plan
Every mainstream state school in England will get individual attendance targets from September, with Friday clubs encouraged to tackle persistent absence that has doubled since Covid.
GCSE Shake-Up Proposed Under Burnham and Powell
A report by Professor Becky Francis proposes fewer GCSE exams, shorter tests, and earlier technical focus. Education Secretary Lucy Powell supports reforms to reduce curriculum stress.
Dudley Council invests £4.7m to tackle NEET issue
Dudley Council has approved a £4.7m investment to refurbish Halesowen College's Trinity Point campus, adding 380 student places to tackle the borough's high NEET rate.
Universal Credit free school meals expansion from September
From September 2026, free school meal eligibility will expand for all Universal Credit recipients, saving them up to £495 per child every year.
School Uniform Rules Set to Change from September
From September, schools cannot require more than three branded uniform items. New Labour rules aim to cut costs, but research shows many parents remain unaware.
Ukrainian judge awarded honorary doctorate by Edge Hill
Edge Hill University awards Honorary Doctor of Laws to Ukrainian constitutional law expert Professor Iurii Barabash for strengthening international legal ties and the UK-Ukraine Twin for Hope partnership.
PM Burnham Unveils Technical Education Reforms for 14-Year-Olds
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, combining academic subjects with skills training and work experience from 2028, aiming to put technical education on equal footing with academics.
Burnham DWP Plan: Teen Job Link Scheme
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces plan to link 14-year-olds with skilled jobs, aiming to reduce the DWP welfare bill by preventing disconnection from work early.
New School Rule for Children Born After 2014 Confirmed
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed a major education shake-up for children born after 2014, introducing technical education pathways from age 14 from 2028.
Burnham Tightens DWP Benefit Rules and Unveils School Reform
PM Andy Burnham ties DWP benefit conditions to school reforms, letting Year 10 pupils combine academic and technical education to tackle over one million NEET.
Burnham Universal Credit Free School Meals September
All Universal Credit households above the £7,400 income cap will qualify for free school meals from September, saving up to £495 per child per year and lifting 100,000 children out of poverty.
Three New School Rules from September for Parents
From September 2026, Andy Burnham's government introduces three school changes: limits on branded uniform, free breakfast clubs at 1,400 more schools, and expanded free school meals.
Birmingham School to Close Sutton Coldfield Site Over VAT
Highclare School is closing its Woodfield site in Sutton Coldfield, with VAT on fees and rising costs cited as key factors, impacting pupil numbers and jobs.
Labour Defends Student Loan Changes Amid Backlash
Minister Lucy Rigby argues heavily subsidised student loans allow government to alter terms, as MPs launch inquiry into system fairness.
Pupils Could Get Two Extra Days Off Under New School Rule Change
Headteachers in England are calling for two additional Inset days per year to implement SEND reforms, which would give pupils two extra days off annually.
Review of 'Hidden' Nursery Fees Launched
Education Secretary orders review into hidden nursery fees after parents report being charged extra for free childcare hours, with many dipping into savings.
Birmingham pupils tell PM: Ban social media companies, not children
Birmingham schoolchildren urge PM Starmer to regulate social media companies instead of banning under-16s, citing addictive and hateful content online.
Student Loan Inquiry as Third Say Degree Not Worth It
An inquiry into England's student loan system has been launched by MPs amid a survey showing 34% believe a university degree is not worth the cost, the highest level of scepticism on record.
52% of Professionals Regret University Degree, Study Shows
New research reveals 52% of professionals regret their degree, with financial barriers and work experience value driving the shift. Science, law, and education have highest regret rates.
HMRC Urges Parents to Extend Child Benefit by 31 August
HMRC reminds parents of 16-19-year-olds to extend Child Benefit claims if teens continue education or training. Act by 31 August via HMRC app or GOV.UK.
Weekend Students Get Loan Repayment Reprieve in England
The UK government has reversed a controversial student loan rule that would have forced 22,000 weekend students to repay up to £55,000 on an accelerated timeline following a 15,000-signature petition.
Fish and Chips Banned in Schools Under New Meal Rules
The Labour government's new school food standards, which prohibit deep-fried foods, chocolate brownies, and 'grab and go' options, have ignited fierce criticism from headteachers and students across England.
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