Education news in brief – September 2025

Disadvantaged pupils do much better in schools with higher levels of poverty

A new report from the Institute for Government suggests that disadvantaged pupils tend to perform better in schools where they make up a larger proportion of the student body. Researchers believe these schools have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their pupils and can provide targeted support.

The report also highlights regional disparities. While primary school performance in the northeast and northwest aligns with national averages, attainment drops significantly by GCSE level. 

Local authority comparisons reveal even greater gaps. In 2024, some London boroughs saw over 75% of pupils meet expected standards at key stage 2 – in parts of the northwest, fewer than half did. At GCSE level, attainment in Kingston upon Thames and Richmond exceeded 80%, contrasting with 40% in Knowsley.

Updated pay and conditions guidance

The Department for Education has published updated guidance on school teachers’ pay and conditions for 2025, confirming a 4% increase across all salary bands, allowances, and advisory pay points. The rise follows recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body and came into effect on Monday 1 September 2025.

Schools and trusts have also gained more flexibility in awarding Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments. From this September, part-time teachers can receive TLR1 and TLR2 payments that reflect their actual responsibilities, rather than being strictly pro-rated. Full-time staff will also find it easier to share TLR roles.

Looking ahead to September 2026, all TLR payments must be based on the proportion of full-time equivalent responsibility undertaken. 

The guidance also expands support for flexible working, with Section 3 now including links to DfE resources and a practical toolkit to help schools adopt more adaptable working practices.

School attendance improves, but severe absence persists

New government data shows a 6.9% overall absence rate for the 2024–25 academic year, down from 7.1% the previous year. Persistent absence also fell to 18.7%, a notable improvement from 20%. However, severe absence, where pupils miss over half of their classes, rose slightly in the autumn term, increasing from 1.97% to 2.04%.

Pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and those with special educational needs (SEN) remain disproportionately affected. FSM pupils had an overall absence rate of 10.6% – nearly double that of their peers – and 33% were persistently absent. Among pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans, 36.9% were persistently absent, compared to 16.5% of those without SEN.

New safety duties for schools and colleges

Education settings across England will be subject to new legal responsibilities under Martyn’s Law, coming into force in around 24 months. 

Designed to get organisations prepared for potential terrorist threats, the legislation, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, introduces a tiered system of duties based on the size and type of venue.

All early years, primary, secondary, and further education institutions will fall under the Standard Tier, regardless of pupil numbers. This means schools and colleges must have clear procedures in place for evacuation, lockdown, invacuation (keeping everyone inside the building), and emergency communication. 

Schools and colleges must appoint a responsible person – such as a headteacher or governing body – to oversee compliance.

Higher education institutions will be assessed differently, with larger campuses potentially falling under the Enhanced Tier, which carries stricter requirements.

Safeguarding in out-of-school settings

The Department for Education has launched a call for evidence to strengthen safeguarding measures in out-of-school settings (OOSS). This includes tuition centres, sports clubs, youth organisations and holiday camps. This initiative aims to gather insights from a wide range of stakeholders to inform future policy development.  

The deadline for submissions is 21 September 2025.

Behaviour in schools worsens as parental support declines

A new government survey reveals that schools are becoming less calm and orderly, with both staff and pupils reporting a decline in behaviour. 

Key findings include:

• Only 53% of teachers said their school was calm “most days,” down from 59% in 2023
• Just 31% of teachers felt “very confident” managing misbehaviour, a drop from 41% earlier in the year
• Support for behaviour policies fell from 87% to 83%, with secondary school parents less supportive than primary
• In-person bullying about other peoples’ appearances from 40% to 46%; and
• Racial bullying doubled from 5% to 10%.

Teachers feel guilty using AI

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Bett reveals that many UK teachers feel conflicted about using AI to help with their work and are worried that it will undermine their professional integrity.

Key findings from the survey of 1,023 teachers:

• 44% of teachers believe they are “cheating” when using AI for core teaching tasks
• 44% also feel they are “not doing their job properly” when relying on AI tools; and 
• 34% reported that AI has helped reduce their workload.

New approvals for Higher Technical Qualifications

Skills England has published its latest list of approved Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), confirming which programmes meet the national standards for technical education at Levels 4 and 5. These qualifications are designed to align with employer-defined occupational standards, offering learners high-quality alternatives to A Levels, T Levels, and apprenticeships.

Skills England has also clarified that HTQ approvals are subject to ongoing review. Programmes may lose approval if they no longer meet quality standards, ensuring the system remains responsive to industry developments.

Mixed views on Foundation Apprenticeships

A new report by Lifetime Group looks at employers’ perspectives on the newly launched Foundation Apprenticeships, aimed at 16–21-year-olds. 

Employers including Bupa, Asda, Partou and Wagamama welcomed the initiative’s potential to bridge the gap between education and employment and boost social mobility. The main concerns raised in the report include:

• Lack of clarity around assessment responsibilities
• Overlap with existing Level 2 apprenticeships
• Resource strain on employers supporting young learners
• Programme length is seen as overly academic for its purpose; and
• Lower funding bands and salary expectations may deter participation.

The report recommends several changes to improve the effectiveness and uptake of Foundation Apprenticeships. Clearer guidance on assessment responsibilities and funding is also advised, especially as the Apprenticeship Levy transitions to the new Skills and Growth Levy.

School costs shut out pupils from learning

New research from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) reveals that secondary school pupils from low-income families are being excluded from subjects and activities due to unaffordable costs. The survey of over 1,000 students in England found that nearly a quarter of pupils on free school meals (FSM) have avoided choosing certain subjects because they are worried about the costs involved. 

Students reported struggling to afford essentials like stationery, homework resources and access to technology. Costs for GCSE subjects – such as field trips, musical instruments, and PE equipment – were cited as barriers to participation. 

Drive to tackle poor behaviour and boost school attendance

The Department for Education has unveiled a new package of support aimed at improving pupil behaviour and attendance across England. The initiative includes the rollout of RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, which will support 800 schools this term and reach around 600,000 pupils. 

In total, 5,000 schools will benefit, with 500 receiving intensive, targeted help. Newly appointed Attendance and Behaviour Ambassadors will shape the programme. 

The government has confirmed the 21 schools selected in the first wave of attendance and behaviour hubs.

Read more – September 2025

• Why clear contracts and proper processes matter: lessons from a nursery worker's employment tribunal claim
• When is it lawful to isolate a student?
• Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance: updated guidance published 
• Single-sex spaces: EHRC takes action against 19 public sector organisations that are misrepresenting the law
• The pros and cons of installing solar panels in schools and colleges
•  Single sex spaces: campaign group set their sights on schools’ guidance