Dear Colleagues,
We hope you had a restful half-term and are feeling re-energised as we move swiftly towards the formal assessment season in many of your settings.
This edition of our newsletter brings together key policy updates and important sector developments that we encourage you to review carefully, as staying informed will support strategic planning and help ensure your teams are well-prepared for the months ahead.
White Paper
This week marks the publication of the department’s landmark Schools White Paper and consultation on SEND reform, setting out significant developments that will shape the future direction of the education system, including expectations around standards, accountability, teacher development and school improvement. School leaders are encouraged to review both documents closely, as these reforms are likely to influence strategic planning, partnership working and professional development priorities over the coming years.
In light of the 2026 White Paper, Teaching School Hubs will play a central role in delivering the government’s new Teacher Training Entitlement (TTE), which sets clear strategic priorities to strengthen career-long professional development. The focus is on ensuring every teacher and leader can access high-quality training at each stage of their career. This includes the introduction of new CPD programmes, alongside NPQs, such as inclusive teaching and leadership programmes and targeted training for Reception teachers to secure strong early foundations.
Regional Improvement Support and Excellence – What is RISE?
RISE is a service designed to help every school improve. Its vision is twofold: to support schools in becoming stronger, and to empower the strongest schools to lead positive change in education.
Universal RISE aims to make it easier for school leaders to:
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Access relevant, high-quality resources
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Collaborate with other schools
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Share and learn from effective practices
The Department for Education (DfE) is encouraging all schools to engage with Universal RISE, either as recipients or contributors. By participating, schools can:
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Diagnose their school improvement needs
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Identify high-quality support
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Implement strategies that drive improvement
Find out more about RISE at a national level here.
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Virtual Conference (Primary Leaders): Focus on attendance & attainment, 4–5th March. Details are available here
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Mainstream Inclusion Regional Conferences: In-person events 4–20th March. Book here
Teacher Development Opportunities
- Adaptive Teaching: Train the Trainer Programme – – With Ofsted’s new Framework highlighting inclusion, this evidence-informed CPD equips middle and senior leaders to deliver practical, in-house training, embed adaptive teaching, and strengthen classroom practice. Launching Friday 13th March – limited places available. Support teachers in mainstream primary and secondary settings to confidently meet diverse needs.
