For action
Action for all settings: Respond to our consultation on the Advanced British Standard by 20 March 2024
In December 2023 the Department for Education (DfE) launched a consultation to shape the development of the new Advanced British Standard (ABS) qualification framework for 16 to 19-year-olds.
The ABS will build upon the best elements of A levels and T Levels, forming a new single qualification framework. Students will study maths and English until age 18, have the chance to study a broader range of subjects and have more time in the classroom with a teacher.
The consultation closes soon, so this is a reminder to respond by Wednesday 20 March 2024.
We are seeking views on a wide range of questions to help us shape the design and implementation of the ABS qualification framework.
The ABS is a decade long reform. Whilst we consult and develop these reforms, we remain committed to supporting the sector to deliver an outstanding education for every student – including supporting the ongoing rollout of T Levels and delivering on A levels.
Action for schools and further education settings: Download school and college performance data before 28 March 2024
On 11 March 2024, schools and colleges received an email regarding the end of the 2022 to 2023 performance data cycle, and the closure of the current DfE School and College Tables Information website on 28 March 2024.
We would encourage all institutions to access the website before 3pm on 28 March to download any data they require from the 2022 to 2023 academic year.
The new service will use DfE sign-in so we encourage all institutions to sign up if you have not already done so. Further details of the 2023 to 2024 service will be sent to headteachers and principals in mid-April. They should ensure their contact information on Get information about Schools is correct so that they don’t miss any communications.
After 28 March any performance data queries should be directed to DfE National Helpline via this contact form or by telephone: 0370 000 2288.
News and developments
Information for all settings: Applications open to become Chair of Ofqual
This article will be of interest to senior leaders
Ofqual is seeking a new Chair. The successful candidate will be expected to take up post by 1 January 2025 at the latest.
As Chair of Ofqual, you will be responsible for chairing the board which provides strategic leadership of the organisation. Ofqual is keen to attract candidates with a proven record in a senior leadership role in the education system, in particular applicants from under-represented groups.
Find out more about the position and make an application by 22 March 2024.
Information for all settings: Deadline extension to request a free portrait of His Majesty King Charles III
The first phase of His Majesty the King portrait scheme launched to all eligible public authorities including schools and colleges in November 2023.
The scheme is now being extended with a second phase to include town, parish and community councils and Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces. The deadline for orders to be placed has been extended to 28 March 2024.
You can place your order here.
For any queries relating to this scheme you can contact hmkportraitscheme@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Information for early years settings and schools with early years provision: New resource to support practitioners with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) assessment
The department's EYFS Profile page on Foundation Years supports teachers to complete the EYFS Profile. It is updated regularly throughout the 2023 to 2024 academic year.
The most recent update provides information on completing the EYFS Profile for children who transfer schools. This page now sits under a new resource on Foundation Years that supports practitioners completing all statutory EYFS assessments. Content will be updated throughout the year.
Information for early years settings and local authorities: Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications criteria has been updated
Following a review in summer 2022 and consultation from November 2022 to January 2023, the new Early Years Educator Level 3 criteria was published in April 2023 and is effective from September 2024.
Awarding organisations and training providers are currently updating qualifications to meet the new criteria, to be assessed and approved by DfE and added to the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) by September 2024.
DfE will be adding qualifications to the EYQL over the coming months as they become approved.
Information for schools and further education settings: Applications are open to become an examiner through the Joint Council for Qualifications
Exam boards are seeking subject experts to become examiners and moderators across a range of qualifications for the 2024 exam series.
Learn more about applying marking schemes, network with others passionate about your subject, and help learners achieve the results they deserve.
For more information, please refer to the Joint Council for Qualifications Become an Examiner webpage.
Information for schools and further education settings: Fully funded Maths Mastery specialist training available
The Maths Hub’s flagship Teaching for Mastery specialist training at primary, secondary and further education (Level 2) is now open for applications.
You can make an application before 29 March 2024.
Schools and FE colleges can contact their local Maths Hub for more information.
Information for schools and local authorities: Published Pupil Premium conditions of grant for 2024 to 2025
The pupil premium conditions of grant have been published on GOV.UK for the new financial year, 2024 to 2025. Pupil premium is funding to improve education outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in schools in England.
The pupil premium guidance page has also been updated for the new financial year. The guidance to using pupil premium for school leaders has been updated to add information to the ‘Purpose of pupil premium’ section, ensure all links to resources are up to date, and improve overall readability.
Information for schools and local authorities: New governance guidance
The Governance Handbook 2019 has been replaced by two new governance guides, one for academy trusts and another for maintained schools.
These guides, developed in collaboration with sector stakeholders, provide clearer more concise guidance, bringing together essential information on the board’s roles and legal responsibilities. Importantly the guides do not introduce new policy.
The academy trust guidance aligns closely to the high quality trust descriptors and trustees’ strategic responsibilities in delivering against these.
Information for schools: Advice and guidance on buying for schools
This article will be of interest to school business professionals
The DfE Schools Commercial Team is hosting free webinars for school business professionals who buy goods and services for their schools. View the full schedule and register to attend.
If you cannot make it to a live event, we have made it easier for you to benefit from our free webinars, gaining advice and support with buying.
Two pre-recorded webinars provide information about the free Get help buying for schools service for your procurement needs, and the risk protection arrangement (RPA), the DfE’s alternative to commercial insurance.
You can access both pre-recorded webinars.
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