The Department for Education (DfE) has published a major curriculum and assessment review, which has recommended reducing overall GCSE exam time and implementing a new National Curriculum from 2028.

Professor Becky Francis' review has called on the government to remove the EBacc (English baccalaureate) accountability measure and reduce the time pupils spend on GCSE exams by at least 10% as part of its major policy recommendations [Schools Week].

Read our article to learn how to monitor the curriculum effectively and what this might look like for your board.

Schools will be judged on new enrichment benchmarks during inspections. The government has announced that Ofsted will judge schools against a new set of enrichment benchmarks – covering areas such as sport, arts and culture, and civic engagement – as part of its routine inspections [Schools Week].

Read our article to understand how Ofsted will inspect personal development and wellbeing in your school under the 2025 framework, and the key evidence it will consider.

The government has proposed a teacher pay increase of 6.5%. The Department for Education (DfE) has submitted evidence to the School Teachers’ Review Body recommending a 6.5% pay award spread over 3 years, starting from the 2026/27 academic year [Tes magazine - subscription required].

Use our article and model policy so you know the current requirements and know what questions to ask when reviewing your teachers' pay policy.

A new study has found that natural disasters, including the recent Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, have been worsened by the climate crisis.

Scientists have discovered that extreme weather is seeing a “rapid intensification” as a result of climate change [The Guardian].

For your next board meeting, consider:

Sunday 9 November – Remembrance Sunday

Monday 10 November – Anti-bullying week begins

Monday 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development

Tuesday 11 November – Armistice Day