Esther Chesterman
@estherchesterman.bsky.social
Chief Executive Officer at National Extension College
New OECD research: education builds trust in democracy. Adults with strong numeracy are 2x more likely to trust others. Schools that model trustworthy behaviour & civic participation matter hugely. Why accessible online education is vital.
Building trust through education
Education plays a vital role in fostering trust – both in institutions and among individuals. It does so by developing foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy, nurturing the values and…
www.oecd.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:46 AM
New OECD research: education builds trust in democracy. Adults with strong numeracy are 2x more likely to trust others. Schools that model trustworthy behaviour & civic participation matter hugely. Why accessible online education is vital.
NEETs set to hit 1 million for first time since 2012. The biggest driver? Disability & ill-health now affects 1 in 4 NEETs - doubled since 2005. 44% don't claim benefits - they're falling through cracks. 60% have never worked.
Disability and ill-health set to push the number of young people who are NEET above one million for first time in over a decade • Resolution Foundation
The number of young people aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) has risen by 195,000 over the past two years to reach 940,000. The most common reason for being NEET is…
www.resolutionfoundation.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:46 AM
NEETs set to hit 1 million for first time since 2012. The biggest driver? Disability & ill-health now affects 1 in 4 NEETs - doubled since 2005. 44% don't claim benefits - they're falling through cracks. 60% have never worked.
Good news from FFT Datalab: A-Level physics finally seeing progress on gender balance - 24% female entrants, highest in 20+ years. Self-paced, flexible learning has real power to build confidence in challenging STEM subjects. Still work to do though.
Has gender balance in A-Level physics improved? - FFT Education Datalab
We look at whether A-Level physics is becoming more popular with female students.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Good news from FFT Datalab: A-Level physics finally seeing progress on gender balance - 24% female entrants, highest in 20+ years. Self-paced, flexible learning has real power to build confidence in challenging STEM subjects. Still work to do though.
Troubling research: 1 in 12 secondary pupils in isolation rooms weekly, averaging 8.5hrs, more than a full school day lost. Children with SEND, on Free School Meals & LGBTQ+ young people disproportionately affected.
One in 12 secondary pupils put in isolation rooms at least once a week, study finds
Children with special educational needs more than twice as likely to be put in isolation, say Manchester researchers
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Troubling research: 1 in 12 secondary pupils in isolation rooms weekly, averaging 8.5hrs, more than a full school day lost. Children with SEND, on Free School Meals & LGBTQ+ young people disproportionately affected.
AI-first isn't about chasing tools or ticking training boxes. Kay & Maxwell's Wonkhe piece nails it: it's about leadership, governance, culture & giving staff time to experiment responsibly. AI should augment human judgement, not replace it.
Adopting AI across an institution is a pressing leadership challenge
Janice Kay and Rachel Maxwell set out all the elements of a whole-institution AI strategy and the leadership capabilities required to make it real
wonkhe.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:24 PM
AI-first isn't about chasing tools or ticking training boxes. Kay & Maxwell's Wonkhe piece nails it: it's about leadership, governance, culture & giving staff time to experiment responsibly. AI should augment human judgement, not replace it.
Govt delays SEND reform white paper to 2026. Will extra time lead to better outcomes or just extend uncertainty? For many young people with SEND, distance learning isn't a fallback—it's the only pathway that works.
Government delays publication of Schools White Paper on SEND reform until 2026
The long-awaited Schools White Paper, which was due to set out the Government’s planned reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, has been delayed until 2026.
www.ipsea.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Govt delays SEND reform white paper to 2026. Will extra time lead to better outcomes or just extend uncertainty? For many young people with SEND, distance learning isn't a fallback—it's the only pathway that works.
76% of 11-17s get news from social media, but only 56% learn how to verify it at school. Children from higher-income families are far more likely to get media literacy education (66% vs 49%). We must close this gap so all young people become informed, not overwhelmed.
Informed or Overwhelmed? Understanding the impact of online news on children’s wellbeing
Understanding online news' impact on children | Internet Matters. This report explores how children navigate the online news landscape.
internetmatters.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:46 AM
76% of 11-17s get news from social media, but only 56% learn how to verify it at school. Children from higher-income families are far more likely to get media literacy education (66% vs 49%). We must close this gap so all young people become informed, not overwhelmed.
New UK policy: All pupils will take a mandatory reading test at age 13 (Year 8) to identify gaps & target support early. Govt also aims for 90% to pass phonics check & launches National Year of Reading 2026. Reading truly is the passport to opportunity.
Focus on reading in secondary years to drive up standards
Education Secretary confirms all pupils will sit a mandatory reading test at age 13 to drive up reading standards.
www.gov.uk
October 23, 2025 at 7:46 AM
New UK policy: All pupils will take a mandatory reading test at age 13 (Year 8) to identify gaps & target support early. Govt also aims for 90% to pass phonics check & launches National Year of Reading 2026. Reading truly is the passport to opportunity.
Are severe absence figures overstated? FFT analysis shows most "severely absent" pupils weren't enrolled for the full year, many struggling during school transitions. Current stats count enrolments, not pupils. A better measure is required.
How many pupils really are severely absent? - FFT Education Datalab
Is it right to say that there were over 170 thousand children who were severely absent in 2023/24?
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
October 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Are severe absence figures overstated? FFT analysis shows most "severely absent" pupils weren't enrolled for the full year, many struggling during school transitions. Current stats count enrolments, not pupils. A better measure is required.
New research shows how project-based learning transforms student experience when combined with employer engagement and strong institutional commitment. Key insight: meaningful educational change takes time and must be embedded, not bolted on.
Transforming student experience through authentic learning
24 September 2025
www.edge.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 3:38 PM
New research shows how project-based learning transforms student experience when combined with employer engagement and strong institutional commitment. Key insight: meaningful educational change takes time and must be embedded, not bolted on.
New UCL research: only 9% of disadvantaged pupils excelling at primary maths reach A Level grade B+ (vs 20% overall). Just 3% study maths degrees. England is losing vital talent. What interventions have worked for you?
Budding mathematicians from disadvantaged backgrounds struggle to meet potential
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds who show strong mathematical ability at primary school don't progress at the same rate as their equally skilled but more advantaged peers, finds a UCL study,…
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 17, 2025 at 7:46 AM
New UCL research: only 9% of disadvantaged pupils excelling at primary maths reach A Level grade B+ (vs 20% overall). Just 3% study maths degrees. England is losing vital talent. What interventions have worked for you?
Chancellor Reeves pledges libraries for 1,700 primary schools currently without them – vital for learners lacking quiet study spaces at home. At NEC, we know removing barriers through accessible education, physical or online, creates real opportunity.
Source:
Source:
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s address to Labour Party conference in full – LabourList
Thank you, Conference. And thank you, Matt, for that incredibly kind introduction. Your enthusiasm alone could power half the country for many years to come.…
labourlist.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Chancellor Reeves pledges libraries for 1,700 primary schools currently without them – vital for learners lacking quiet study spaces at home. At NEC, we know removing barriers through accessible education, physical or online, creates real opportunity.
Source:
Source:
SEND facing £3bn crisis by 2029 despite 66% spending rise—yet system still failing children. Could flexible online learning help provide personalised support & stretch resources? What innovations are working in your area?
📰 BBC News - Kate McGough
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Education #SEND
📰 BBC News - Kate McGough
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Education #SEND
Send costs will rise by billions without reforms, ministers told
The Institute for Fiscal Studies says more than 200,000 extra children will need Send support by 2029.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 15, 2025 at 7:46 AM
SEND facing £3bn crisis by 2029 despite 66% spending rise—yet system still failing children. Could flexible online learning help provide personalised support & stretch resources? What innovations are working in your area?
📰 BBC News - Kate McGough
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Education #SEND
📰 BBC News - Kate McGough
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Education #SEND
Worrying figures from The Guardian: 6/10 UK secondary schools suffered cyber-attacks last year. State schools most vulnerable due to funding pressures. At NEC, Cyber Essentials accreditation is key to protecting our learners' data. www.theguardian.com/technology/2... #EdTech #Cybersecurity
Six out of 10 UK secondary schools hit by cyber-attack or breach in past year
Hackers are more likely to target educational institutions than private businesses, government survey shows
www.theguardian.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Worrying figures from The Guardian: 6/10 UK secondary schools suffered cyber-attacks last year. State schools most vulnerable due to funding pressures. At NEC, Cyber Essentials accreditation is key to protecting our learners' data. www.theguardian.com/technology/2... #EdTech #Cybersecurity
England loses thousands of talented young mathematicians from disadvantaged backgrounds. Key drop-offs happen at GCSE, A-level choices & uni pathways. Urgent action needed to close the gap. 📉
🔗 Read more: ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
#Maths #Education #SocialMobility
🔗 Read more: ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
#Maths #Education #SocialMobility
Home - FFT Education Datalab
We are a group of expert analysts who produce independent, cutting-edge research on education policy and practice. We are part of non-profit company FFT Education.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
October 8, 2025 at 7:46 AM
England loses thousands of talented young mathematicians from disadvantaged backgrounds. Key drop-offs happen at GCSE, A-level choices & uni pathways. Urgent action needed to close the gap. 📉
🔗 Read more: ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
#Maths #Education #SocialMobility
🔗 Read more: ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
#Maths #Education #SocialMobility
AI workers earn 56% wage premiums, yet Yale finds no job losses since ChatGPT launched. The truth? Jobs are transforming, not disappearing. Skills beat degrees. Which makes accessible, flexible learning more vital than ever. What shifts are you seeing in your sector? www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues...
October 7, 2025 at 7:46 AM
AI workers earn 56% wage premiums, yet Yale finds no job losses since ChatGPT launched. The truth? Jobs are transforming, not disappearing. Skills beat degrees. Which makes accessible, flexible learning more vital than ever. What shifts are you seeing in your sector? www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues...
Powerful report: How tackling health, SEND & family issues cut UK school absence 45%. Now reversed - 1.5m pupils persistently absent. Time for comprehensive strategy again.
School-absence-innovation-lessons-last-labour-government
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Powerful report: How tackling health, SEND & family issues cut UK school absence 45%. Now reversed - 1.5m pupils persistently absent. Time for comprehensive strategy again.
26% of young people lack a laptop at home. For 67%, this directly affects their decision to apply to university.
Digital access is "the front door" to education – yet too many find it locked. What should we be doing differently?
Digital access is "the front door" to education – yet too many find it locked. What should we be doing differently?
Lessons in Digital Inequality: Degrees of Digital Divide | FE News
| Lessons in Digital Inequality: Degrees of Digital Divide
www.fenews.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 7:46 AM
26% of young people lack a laptop at home. For 67%, this directly affects their decision to apply to university.
Digital access is "the front door" to education – yet too many find it locked. What should we be doing differently?
Digital access is "the front door" to education – yet too many find it locked. What should we be doing differently?
LLE launches Sept 2026, but careers guidance for adults remains fragmented. 15m could benefit. How do we build accessible support? www.lifelongeducation.uk/post/the-lif... #LifelongLearning
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement Needs a New Kind of Careers Service
Currently, adult careers services are neither widely available enough, or sufficiently well-resourced to reach the 15 million individuals who could benefit from the LLE.
www.lifelongeducation.uk
October 2, 2025 at 3:37 PM
LLE launches Sept 2026, but careers guidance for adults remains fragmented. 15m could benefit. How do we build accessible support? www.lifelongeducation.uk/post/the-lif... #LifelongLearning
New FFT Education Datalab research shows only 38-40% of White British disadvantaged pupils achieve basics in English/maths vs 66% nationally. Poor outcomes persist even in top schools - highlighting need for flexible learning pathways.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/07/the-...
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/07/the-...
The educational outcomes of disadvantaged White pupils - FFT Education Datalab
We look at how attainment at KS4, persistent absence, suspensions and permanent exclusions for disadvantaged White pupils compare to those of other groups.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 7:46 AM
New FFT Education Datalab research shows only 38-40% of White British disadvantaged pupils achieve basics in English/maths vs 66% nationally. Poor outcomes persist even in top schools - highlighting need for flexible learning pathways.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/07/the-...
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/07/the-...
APPG report: disabled households face £1,000+ extra monthly costs, 800,000 at risk from benefit cuts. Education must work WITH circumstances, not against them. How do we keep learning accessible? #InclusiveEducation #AccessibleLearning
appgpovertyinequality.org.uk/home-page/ap...
appgpovertyinequality.org.uk/home-page/ap...
September 17, 2025 at 7:46 AM
APPG report: disabled households face £1,000+ extra monthly costs, 800,000 at risk from benefit cuts. Education must work WITH circumstances, not against them. How do we keep learning accessible? #InclusiveEducation #AccessibleLearning
appgpovertyinequality.org.uk/home-page/ap...
appgpovertyinequality.org.uk/home-page/ap...
5% of pupils leave school without basic GCSE passes - most weren't even entered for exams. 55% of pupils with EHC plans affected. This is why flexible online education pathways matter. How do we better serve these overlooked learners?
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/09/the-...
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/09/the-...
The pupils who leave school without passes in GCSE English and mathematics - FFT Education Datalab
Post-COVID there has been a rise in the percentage of pupils leaving school without a pass (9-1) in GCSE English and a similar figure in maths. Most of these pupils were not entered for examinations.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
September 16, 2025 at 7:46 AM
5% of pupils leave school without basic GCSE passes - most weren't even entered for exams. 55% of pupils with EHC plans affected. This is why flexible online education pathways matter. How do we better serve these overlooked learners?
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/09/the-...
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/09/the-...
New FFT data: 33% of pupils didn't achieve GCSE basics (English + maths grade 4+), but 53% of those were close with grade 3s. Second chances matter.
#Education #GCSEs #OnlineLearning
#Education #GCSEs #OnlineLearning
An early look at pupils who did not achieve the basics last year - FFT Education Datalab
Based on data from 1,500 secondary schools, we take an early look at the pupils who did not achieve a standard pass in English and maths GCSE.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
September 15, 2025 at 3:37 PM
New FFT data: 33% of pupils didn't achieve GCSE basics (English + maths grade 4+), but 53% of those were close with grade 3s. Second chances matter.
#Education #GCSEs #OnlineLearning
#Education #GCSEs #OnlineLearning
The IPPR Inclusion Taskforce couldn't come at a better time - SEND system 'at breaking point.' Geoff Barton's panel includes parents alongside policy experts. At NEC, we know flexible, accessible learning helps everyone. What gives you hope for reform?
Nicky Morgan, Anne Longfield and Leora Cruddas join IPPR Inclusion Taskforce | IPPR
The IPPR Inclusion Taskforce, chaired by education leader Geoff Barton, will publish its findings in autumn 2025The IPPR Inclusion Taskforce has today anno
www.ippr.org
September 12, 2025 at 7:46 AM
The IPPR Inclusion Taskforce couldn't come at a better time - SEND system 'at breaking point.' Geoff Barton's panel includes parents alongside policy experts. At NEC, we know flexible, accessible learning helps everyone. What gives you hope for reform?
GCSE results: gender gap closing as male pupils drive improvements. But re-take students struggle - only 20% pass English, 15% maths. Are we failing second-chance learners?
GCSE results 2025: The main trends in grades and entries - FFT Education Datalab
Our round-up of everything you need to know about this year's GCSE results.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
September 11, 2025 at 7:46 AM
GCSE results: gender gap closing as male pupils drive improvements. But re-take students struggle - only 20% pass English, 15% maths. Are we failing second-chance learners?