Radical reforms announced for 21st century schools

Schools Secretary Ed Balls has set out radical new school reforms to build on the significant improvements in the last decade.

The proposals include the need for teachers to have a licence to work in the classroom which will have to be renewed every five years, a new Pupil Guarantee to provide personalised learning, School Report Cards to give parents all the information they need; and a tough approach to school improvement with the best schools linking up to raise standards in all schools.

Designing for disabled children and SEN

Designing for disabled children and children with special educational needs means putting these children at the very heart of the design and build process, right from inception.

Schools of the Future

Coaching to manage performance

Vivienne Porritt questions the whole basis of the current approach to performance management and shows how this can be transformed through developing a coaching culture which focuses on ultimate learning games for children.

Professional Learning

Are we learning how to behave?

Sir Alan Steer has produced his fifth and final report examining behaviour in English schools. Although acknowledging the good behaviour of the majority there is still much to be done…

Primary Leadership

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The innovation game

What does a school need to become a hotbed for innovative teaching and learning? An analyst from the General Teaching Council for England examines the research.

Can education change its climate in time?

Jane Reed highlights the urgent need to put environmental concerns at the heart of education and professional development.

A 20-year history of primary accountability

SATs are such an entrenched part of our school life that we perhaps need reminding of how they emerged and their implications for the future. Bill Boyle explores the wider context.

Communication matters

Modern life provides little opportunity for children to develop communication skills. Professor Rosemary Sage explains how A Communication Opportunity Group Scheme can help equip our children more effectively.

National challenge, or national disgrace?

Divisive, demoralising and destructive - that’s the National Challenge, says headteacher Phil Karnavas, where the culture of target setting appears to undermine highly effective schools.