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Updated Tuesdsay 5th April 2026.
Updated Tuesdsay 5th April 2026.
Department for Education: new schools white paper sets out system-wide reforms
The government has published the schools white paper "Every child achieving and thriving", outlining proposals on school trusts, workforce development, inclusion and updated expectations for behaviour and attendance. The paper sets ambitions for more specialist teachers in secondary schools, strengthened professional development and new approaches to SEND support. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving. (GOV.UK)
1. New focus on explicit teaching of oracy in secondary classrooms
Recent policy and research attention is highlighting the importance of oracy, with schools encouraged to embed structured talk, discussion and verbal reasoning across subjects. Advocates argue this improves attainment, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, and strengthens classroom engagement.
Source: https://oracyeducation.org.uk/news/oracy-in-schools-2026
1. New focus on explicit teaching of oracy in secondary classrooms
Recent policy and research attention is highlighting the importance of oracy, with schools encouraged to embed structured talk, discussion and verbal reasoning across subjects. Advocates argue this improves attainment, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, and strengthens classroom engagement.
Source: https://oracyeducation.org.uk/news/oracy-in-schools-2026
2. Concerns over narrowing curriculum due to accountability pressures
School leaders warn that performance measures and accountability frameworks are continuing to drive a narrowing of the secondary curriculum, particularly at Key Stage 4. This is affecting subject choice and limiting opportunities for broader learning experiences.
Source: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/curriculum-narrowing-gcse-accountability-2026/
3. Increased use of adaptive teaching replacing traditional differentiation models
Guidance from organisations such as the Education Endowment Foundation is reinforcing a shift towards adaptive teaching. This approach emphasises responsive whole‑class teaching over multiple differentiated tasks, with growing uptake in secondary classrooms.
Source: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/adaptive-teaching-in-focus-2026
4. Teacher recruitment challenges impacting classroom consistency
Ongoing shortages in key subjects, including science and maths, are leading to more non-specialist teaching in secondary schools. Leaders report this is affecting lesson quality and increasing pressure on existing staff to support curriculum delivery.
Source: https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/teacher-shortages-secondary-schools-2026
5. Greater emphasis on formative assessment in everyday teaching
There is renewed focus on low-stakes assessment strategies, including questioning, retrieval practice and feedback, as central to effective teaching. Schools are being encouraged to move away from heavy data collection towards more responsive classroom assessment.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-feedback-and-assessment-review-2026
6. Behaviour policies evolving towards consistency and simplicity
Recent sector discussions suggest schools are refining behaviour systems to ensure clarity, consistency and ease of use for staff. Simplified routines and clear expectations are seen as key to reducing disruption and supporting learning.
Source: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/behaviour-in-schools-update/
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