Cerys Turner
@cerysturner.bsky.social
News reporter at Tes
Covering Ofsted, curriculum, teacher training & AI
✍🏻 The Times, Big Issue, Metro
(Pronounced like the Welsh singer, not the colour)
https://www.tes.com/magazine/author/cerys-turner
Covering Ofsted, curriculum, teacher training & AI
✍🏻 The Times, Big Issue, Metro
(Pronounced like the Welsh singer, not the colour)
https://www.tes.com/magazine/author/cerys-turner
Updates: Calls from @pepediiasio.bsky.social to ensure that sensitive school data is “complete secure” in light of new plans.
The FDA, which represents senior HMI, called the EEG problems “unacceptable”. It remains concerned over a “lack of strategy”.
The FDA, which represents senior HMI, called the EEG problems “unacceptable”. It remains concerned over a “lack of strategy”.
Excl: Ofsted tells inspectors to use Word documents to record inspection evidence as its electronic system continues to malfunction.
It's part of a long-running saga of failings in its digital evidence gathering, which sees live data crash and freeze mid-inspection:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
It's part of a long-running saga of failings in its digital evidence gathering, which sees live data crash and freeze mid-inspection:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Ofsted inspectors to use Word documents for recording evidence
The watchdog will temporarily use Microsoft Word documents to gather inspection evidence as electronic system continues to malfunction
www.tes.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Updates: Calls from @pepediiasio.bsky.social to ensure that sensitive school data is “complete secure” in light of new plans.
The FDA, which represents senior HMI, called the EEG problems “unacceptable”. It remains concerned over a “lack of strategy”.
The FDA, which represents senior HMI, called the EEG problems “unacceptable”. It remains concerned over a “lack of strategy”.
Excl: Ofsted tells inspectors to use Word documents to record inspection evidence as its electronic system continues to malfunction.
It's part of a long-running saga of failings in its digital evidence gathering, which sees live data crash and freeze mid-inspection:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
It's part of a long-running saga of failings in its digital evidence gathering, which sees live data crash and freeze mid-inspection:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Ofsted inspectors to use Word documents for recording evidence
The watchdog will temporarily use Microsoft Word documents to gather inspection evidence as electronic system continues to malfunction
www.tes.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Excl: Ofsted tells inspectors to use Word documents to record inspection evidence as its electronic system continues to malfunction.
It's part of a long-running saga of failings in its digital evidence gathering, which sees live data crash and freeze mid-inspection:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
It's part of a long-running saga of failings in its digital evidence gathering, which sees live data crash and freeze mid-inspection:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Adding resource bases in mainstream schools is likely to be a major part of SEND reform - but heads are less convinced.
Increased pressures and parent expectations lead to inclusive settings being seen as "magnet schools", they warn @JohnGRoberts
Increased pressures and parent expectations lead to inclusive settings being seen as "magnet schools", they warn @JohnGRoberts
SEND: Opening resource bases ‘risks making you a magnet school’
With the government wanting mainstream schools to open specialist provision, heads warn that this can lead to increased pressures from parents and other schools
www.tes.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Adding resource bases in mainstream schools is likely to be a major part of SEND reform - but heads are less convinced.
Increased pressures and parent expectations lead to inclusive settings being seen as "magnet schools", they warn @JohnGRoberts
Increased pressures and parent expectations lead to inclusive settings being seen as "magnet schools", they warn @JohnGRoberts
School insurance costs are set to rise by more than 7% next year - 3x the rate of insurance.
The scheme that covers schools for incidents such as fires, floods and cybercrime, will now increase to £29 per pupil.
💷Exclusive from @jabedahmed.bsky.social
The scheme that covers schools for incidents such as fires, floods and cybercrime, will now increase to £29 per pupil.
💷Exclusive from @jabedahmed.bsky.social
School insurance costs to rise by up to 3 times inflation
The DfE’s risk protection arrangement will increase to £29 per pupil from April 2026, up more than 7 per cent on 2025
www.tes.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:30 AM
School insurance costs are set to rise by more than 7% next year - 3x the rate of insurance.
The scheme that covers schools for incidents such as fires, floods and cybercrime, will now increase to £29 per pupil.
💷Exclusive from @jabedahmed.bsky.social
The scheme that covers schools for incidents such as fires, floods and cybercrime, will now increase to £29 per pupil.
💷Exclusive from @jabedahmed.bsky.social
More than 50,000 pupils are working below the level of assessment in Sats - that number is on the rise, despite improving KS2 grades.
It's a blemish on an otherwise positive picture of post-covid recovery, and a suggested focus area in govt SEND reform.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
It's a blemish on an otherwise positive picture of post-covid recovery, and a suggested focus area in govt SEND reform.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Sats scores are still below pre-Covid levels - is this the reason why?
While overall Sats scores have been creeping upwards, a significant – and growing – minority of children are deemed unable to sit the tests. Cerys Turner uncovers the reasons behind a widening gap in KS2 assessment
magazine-cms.tes.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:30 AM
More than 50,000 pupils are working below the level of assessment in Sats - that number is on the rise, despite improving KS2 grades.
It's a blemish on an otherwise positive picture of post-covid recovery, and a suggested focus area in govt SEND reform.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
It's a blemish on an otherwise positive picture of post-covid recovery, and a suggested focus area in govt SEND reform.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
Exclusive: School insurance costs to rise by up to 3 times inflation
DfE's insurance premium for schools will increase by more than 7 per cent.
The increase has been described as a “massive blow”, with school budgets already under “huge strain”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
DfE's insurance premium for schools will increase by more than 7 per cent.
The increase has been described as a “massive blow”, with school budgets already under “huge strain”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
School insurance costs to rise by up to 3 times inflation
The DfE’s risk protection arrangement will increase to £29 per pupil from April 2026, up more than 7 per cent on 2025
www.tes.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Exclusive: School insurance costs to rise by up to 3 times inflation
DfE's insurance premium for schools will increase by more than 7 per cent.
The increase has been described as a “massive blow”, with school budgets already under “huge strain”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
DfE's insurance premium for schools will increase by more than 7 per cent.
The increase has been described as a “massive blow”, with school budgets already under “huge strain”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Teachers will be given specialist training to talk to students about issues such as consent, as part of the govt’s VAWG strategy.
+ Children who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to “behaviour change programmes”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
+ Children who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to “behaviour change programmes”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Schools must teach healthy relationships to tackle violence against girls
Teachers will be given specialist training to talk to students about issues such as consent, as part of a new government strategy to address misogyny
www.tes.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Teachers will be given specialist training to talk to students about issues such as consent, as part of the govt’s VAWG strategy.
+ Children who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to “behaviour change programmes”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
+ Children who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to “behaviour change programmes”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
NEW: The national funding formula, which allocates high-needs budgets for councils, will be suspended next year.
The DfE said that future spending will be reviewed as part of the SEND WP & it admitted that there are “questions” over the methodology.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
The DfE said that future spending will be reviewed as part of the SEND WP & it admitted that there are “questions” over the methodology.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
‘Static’ SEND funding puts support at risk, heads warn
Government announces that the use of its national formula for allocating high-needs funding for councils will be paused ahead of its planned reforms to the SEND system
www.tes.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
NEW: The national funding formula, which allocates high-needs budgets for councils, will be suspended next year.
The DfE said that future spending will be reviewed as part of the SEND WP & it admitted that there are “questions” over the methodology.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
The DfE said that future spending will be reviewed as part of the SEND WP & it admitted that there are “questions” over the methodology.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reform has revealed more on its vision for SEND, which includes reopening village churches to educate "differently abled children".
Tice also apologised for his previous comments, such as saying children wearing ear defenders in school was “insane”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Tice also apologised for his previous comments, such as saying children wearing ear defenders in school was “insane”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Empty churches could be used for SEND pupils, says Reform
A working group on tackling the SEND crisis is launched by Reform UK, to be led by former DfE minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns
www.tes.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Reform has revealed more on its vision for SEND, which includes reopening village churches to educate "differently abled children".
Tice also apologised for his previous comments, such as saying children wearing ear defenders in school was “insane”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Tice also apologised for his previous comments, such as saying children wearing ear defenders in school was “insane”.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Excl: Google DeepMind is looking to develop a version of its AI chatbot Gemini to be used in schools.
It will be trained on the revised national curriculum and meet government expectations for safety in education.
It will be trained on the revised national curriculum and meet government expectations for safety in education.
Google develops DfE-approved chatbot for teachers
Google DeepMind aims to build a version of its Gemini chatbot that can be used by teachers and is trained on the national curriculum in England
www.tes.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Excl: Google DeepMind is looking to develop a version of its AI chatbot Gemini to be used in schools.
It will be trained on the revised national curriculum and meet government expectations for safety in education.
It will be trained on the revised national curriculum and meet government expectations for safety in education.
Reposted by Cerys Turner
DfE announces £3 billion for specialist places - and again is pushing the idea of these being created in mainstream schools but more than 70 special and AP free schools in the pipeline could be scrapped with councils getting funding instead. www.tes.com/magazine/new...
£3bn for mainstream SEND places, but special free schools face uncertainty
DfE announces plans to create 50,000 new specialist places but up to 77 free school projects could be replaced, with councils getting funding instead
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:31 AM
DfE announces £3 billion for specialist places - and again is pushing the idea of these being created in mainstream schools but more than 70 special and AP free schools in the pipeline could be scrapped with councils getting funding instead. www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
Does the funding formula need to shift away from per-pupil to enable schools to survive falling rolls? Policy experts say no, and trusts in favour of a few different options, finds @jabedahmed.bsky.social
Superb analysis here:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Superb analysis here:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Can per-pupil funding keep schools afloat as rolls plummet?
Demographic decline is squeezing school budgets and forcing political choices. Is it time to rethink the way schools are funded?
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Does the funding formula need to shift away from per-pupil to enable schools to survive falling rolls? Policy experts say no, and trusts in favour of a few different options, finds @jabedahmed.bsky.social
Superb analysis here:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Superb analysis here:
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
Last week the government indicated that creating more specialist places in mainstream can bring down SEND spending but sector leaders and heads have warned that this won't deliver significant savings in the short term and needs more than just capital funding. www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Don't overestimate resource base savings, heads warn Labour
Leaders question education secretary's suggestion that creating more specialist places in mainstream schools will address SEND cost pressures outlined in Budget
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Last week the government indicated that creating more specialist places in mainstream can bring down SEND spending but sector leaders and heads have warned that this won't deliver significant savings in the short term and needs more than just capital funding. www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
Falling pupil numbers have led to calls for a complete overhaul to the way schools are funded.
But would the alternatives be any better?
Brilliant analysis of the different options by @jabedahmed.bsky.social:
But would the alternatives be any better?
Brilliant analysis of the different options by @jabedahmed.bsky.social:
Can per-pupil funding keep schools afloat as rolls plummet?
Demographic decline is squeezing school budgets and forcing political choices. Is it time to rethink the way schools are funded?
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Falling pupil numbers have led to calls for a complete overhaul to the way schools are funded.
But would the alternatives be any better?
Brilliant analysis of the different options by @jabedahmed.bsky.social:
But would the alternatives be any better?
Brilliant analysis of the different options by @jabedahmed.bsky.social:
It'll be interesting to see, as @steverollett.bsky.social says, when the bell curve of grades changes, how this will simultaneously change govt comms.
'X per cent of schools have reached the expected standard' doesn't quite have the same ring to it...
'X per cent of schools have reached the expected standard' doesn't quite have the same ring to it...
Ofsted inspections: 5 changes MATs want to see
With the new Ofsted inspections underway, CST deputy chief Steve Rollett reflects on trusts’ experiences so far and explains why many schools may be disappointed with their new gradings
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM
It'll be interesting to see, as @steverollett.bsky.social says, when the bell curve of grades changes, how this will simultaneously change govt comms.
'X per cent of schools have reached the expected standard' doesn't quite have the same ring to it...
'X per cent of schools have reached the expected standard' doesn't quite have the same ring to it...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
Exclusive: Ofsted and the government are being warned that the shift to the new five-grade inspection framework risks “inadvertently painting a picture of decline” in schools by a sector leader. www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Ofsted and DfE warned of grade shift in new inspections
Inspectorate and government warned they need to mitigate against risk that the move to new inspection framework will 'inadvertently' look like a decline in standards
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Exclusive: Ofsted and the government are being warned that the shift to the new five-grade inspection framework risks “inadvertently painting a picture of decline” in schools by a sector leader. www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Ofsted's five-grade inspection framework risks “inadvertently painting a picture of decline”, @steverollett.bsky.social writes for Tes.
He warns the change will "recalibrate the profile of grades nationally" and "look lower". Not welcome news for the government ...
He warns the change will "recalibrate the profile of grades nationally" and "look lower". Not welcome news for the government ...
Ofsted and DfE warned of grade shift in new inspections
Inspectorate and government warned they need to mitigate against risk that the move to new inspection framework will ‘inadvertently’ look like a decline in standards
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Ofsted's five-grade inspection framework risks “inadvertently painting a picture of decline”, @steverollett.bsky.social writes for Tes.
He warns the change will "recalibrate the profile of grades nationally" and "look lower". Not welcome news for the government ...
He warns the change will "recalibrate the profile of grades nationally" and "look lower". Not welcome news for the government ...
"You can’t just set up a room and put some cushions in it and hope it’s going to be OK."
Why resource bases in mainstream schools may not be the SEND savings silver bullet it has been heralded to be.
@johngroberts.bsky.social reports⬇️
Why resource bases in mainstream schools may not be the SEND savings silver bullet it has been heralded to be.
@johngroberts.bsky.social reports⬇️
Don’t overestimate resource base savings, heads warn Labour
Leaders question education secretary’s suggestion that creating more specialist places in mainstream schools will address SEND cost pressures outlined in Budget
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM
"You can’t just set up a room and put some cushions in it and hope it’s going to be OK."
Why resource bases in mainstream schools may not be the SEND savings silver bullet it has been heralded to be.
@johngroberts.bsky.social reports⬇️
Why resource bases in mainstream schools may not be the SEND savings silver bullet it has been heralded to be.
@johngroberts.bsky.social reports⬇️
🚨EXCL: The DfE has delayed its full delivery plan for how it is going to recruit 6,500 new teachers to next year.
This is despite the govt telling MPs from the Public Accounts Committee that further details on the key manifesto pledge would be published by this month.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
This is despite the govt telling MPs from the Public Accounts Committee that further details on the key manifesto pledge would be published by this month.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Plan to deliver 6,500 more teachers delayed
Government had aimed to publish its plan to fulfil its manifesto promise by the end of the year - but now tells Tes this will be released along with its White Paper
www.tes.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🚨EXCL: The DfE has delayed its full delivery plan for how it is going to recruit 6,500 new teachers to next year.
This is despite the govt telling MPs from the Public Accounts Committee that further details on the key manifesto pledge would be published by this month.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
This is despite the govt telling MPs from the Public Accounts Committee that further details on the key manifesto pledge would be published by this month.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
For anyone wondering, no, the government will not be providing any additional investment for digital exams.
This is despite the chief regulator himself warning that schools had "weak" IT infrastructure...
This is despite the chief regulator himself warning that schools had "weak" IT infrastructure...
NEW: Ofqual gives the green light for digital exams - but it likely won't happen this decade.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
No on-screen assessment likely until 2030s, says exams chief
Ofqual announces proposals to regulate on-screen assessment – but digital exams unlikely in the most popular subjects for the ‘foreseeable future’
www.tes.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:09 PM
For anyone wondering, no, the government will not be providing any additional investment for digital exams.
This is despite the chief regulator himself warning that schools had "weak" IT infrastructure...
This is despite the chief regulator himself warning that schools had "weak" IT infrastructure...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
NEW: Ofqual gives the green light for digital exams - but it likely won't happen this decade.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
No on-screen assessment likely until 2030s, says exams chief
Ofqual announces proposals to regulate on-screen assessment – but digital exams unlikely in the most popular subjects for the ‘foreseeable future’
www.tes.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:05 AM
NEW: Ofqual gives the green light for digital exams - but it likely won't happen this decade.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
NEW: Ofqual gives the green light for digital exams - but it likely won't happen this decade.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
No on-screen assessment likely until 2030s, says exams chief
Ofqual announces proposals to regulate on-screen assessment – but digital exams unlikely in the most popular subjects for the ‘foreseeable future’
www.tes.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:05 AM
NEW: Ofqual gives the green light for digital exams - but it likely won't happen this decade.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
Exam boards can submit 2 subjects to trial on-screen, but only under 100k entries. Large-scale subjects like Maths and English are off the table for the foreseeable.
The damning review of Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy has wider implications for 'zero-tolerance' behaviour policies.
Shouting at students was "routine", a "climate of fear" was created for staff & students, and SEND adjustments were "inadequate".
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Shouting at students was "routine", a "climate of fear" was created for staff & students, and SEND adjustments were "inadequate".
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
‘Rigid’ behaviour policies under fire in safeguarding review
‘Zero-tolerance’ discipline risks harming vulnerable students at London academy, finds independent report
www.tes.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The damning review of Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy has wider implications for 'zero-tolerance' behaviour policies.
Shouting at students was "routine", a "climate of fear" was created for staff & students, and SEND adjustments were "inadequate".
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Shouting at students was "routine", a "climate of fear" was created for staff & students, and SEND adjustments were "inadequate".
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by Cerys Turner
The Public Accounts Committee is holding an evidence session as part of its inquiry into home to school transport.
December 8, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The Public Accounts Committee is holding an evidence session as part of its inquiry into home to school transport.
The number of international physics teacher trainees has risen by 71% in just one year, but they are facing increasing challenges.
@iop.org warns that international teachers are leaving due to visa issues & a lack of work - with laggy govt data tracking them.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
@iop.org warns that international teachers are leaving due to visa issues & a lack of work - with laggy govt data tracking them.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Urgent task force needed to monitor international recruits, IOP warns
Call for support comes as latest initial teacher training data shows international entrants for physics rising by more than two-thirds
www.tes.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:05 AM
The number of international physics teacher trainees has risen by 71% in just one year, but they are facing increasing challenges.
@iop.org warns that international teachers are leaving due to visa issues & a lack of work - with laggy govt data tracking them.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
@iop.org warns that international teachers are leaving due to visa issues & a lack of work - with laggy govt data tracking them.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...