Week of 2026-10-23

DfE (21 Oct 2026) published Sir David Bell's review and accepted all 27 recommendations, including stronger KCSIE and political impartiality guidance and leader training.

Ofsted's similar-schools analysis and complaint review pilot are on gov.uk; the 5% mixed-grade figure is a Tes/FFT Datalab analysis of 2,452 inspections, not an Ofsted statistic.

Powell (15 Oct) reaffirmed the reforms but DfE has not yet published its consultation response or a new timetable; proposed dates (Sept 2029/2030) still stand per Tes.

Powell announced oracy will get equal status with reading and writing as a new English curriculum strand; no date or assessment design yet.

DfE EYFS profile 2025/26 (22 Oct): GLD up to 72.3%, but FSM gap 21.6pp (54.8% vs 76.4%), widening for a fourth year per Tes; the secondary maths claim is unchecked research reporting.

KCSIE 2026 applies from 1 Sept; 'late changes left policies out of date' is leaders' view (Tes), and the Children's Commissioner's Prevent evidence to the Southport Inquiry is reported by Tes, backed by her August report.

Susan Acland-Hood leaves for a role outside government; Simon Ridley (Home Office) starts as DfE permanent secretary in November.

NGA's 2026 governance survey (3,000+ responses, June): 12% of maintained/SAT boards decided to join a MAT, down from 15%, lowest since 2020; a self-selecting survey.