Tag: Department for Education

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 14 June 2023.

Education Secretary to address benefits of technology in education at London Tech Week.

Using artificial intelligence to transform education in a positive way will be the focus of a new call for evidence launched by the government today (14 June) to mark the 10th anniversary of London Tech Week.

As part of the government’s wider work to make the most out of the technology, the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan will launch the call for evidence – which also asks for views on risks, ethical considerations, and training for education workers – in a speech to technology and education experts at London Tech Week.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard are already making a difference in schools, but more work is needed to understand the benefits and get ahead of the risks that the technology could bring.

As a result, the government is seeking views and experiences from education professionals across the schools, colleges, universities and early years sector.

The call to evidence marks an important starting point, with the results providing a base to inform future work. This includes how AI could be used to reduce workload, improve outcomes, and run operations more efficiently as well as work around misuse such as essay bots and cheating in exams.

As part of a digital skills boost and to help make sure the workforce is equipped for the future, the Education Secretary will also confirm that courses for the new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) will begin in September, as well as the launch of a new Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is expected to say:

Artificial intelligence is going to transform the world around us and help grow the economy. The workforces that are best equipped with the skills and knowledge they need will be the ones that ride the wave. We must make sure education is one of them.

For that potential to be realised, we – the government, our schools, colleges and universities – need to be able to understand those opportunities, as well as the real risks new technology brings.

That’s why we want to kick start a conversation with experts from across education and technology to hear their views and learn from their experiences. This will help us make the right decisions to get the best out of generative AI in a safe and secure way.

Open from today for anyone working in education, the call for evidence will run until 23 August 2023. To support this work, the Department for Education will also speak to experts through forums, surveys, and interviews. The aim is to gather insight on how generative AI is being used in schools, colleges, and universities, and how it could be used to support the sector in the future.

The launch follows the publication of a statement published in March 2023, setting out the Department’s position on the use of generative AI and sits alongside wider work on intellectual property, protecting the commercial value of data and understanding regulatory implications.

Alongside this, the government is continuing to deliver on the pledge made last year to enable all schools to connect to gigabit broadband by 2025, as well as its ongoing commitment to drive down unnecessary workload and improve wellbeing.

Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

AI promises to be one of the most impactful technologies of our lifetimes, and the UK is well positioned to be one of the leading countries unlocking the opportunities of this technology.

However, in our UK Tech Plan, we stressed the importance of continuing to ensure we increase access to talent to both seize the benefits of AI and guard against its risks. Ending digital poverty is crucial if the UK aims to lead the conversation on AI on a global scale.

The tech sector stands ready and willing to work closely with government and the education sector to ensure we can use AI in the best possible way to support pupils and educate them as they prepare to enter an increasingly digitally savvy workforce.

Adult learners will also be supported to gain essential digital skills needed for life, work and study, thanks to new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) courses which will begin in September.

Research undertaken by Ipsos shows that 20% of adults across the UK have either no or low essential digital skills that are essential to participate actively in modern life, work and society – such as turning on a device or connecting to Wi-Fi.

The new Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce will support this work by establishing what computing and digital skills are needed now and for the future, working closely with industry experts to encourage more young people to consider a career in key sectors such as cyber security, AI or computing.

BESA Director General, Caroline Wright, said:

I welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on addressing the use of AI in education. EdTech is a tool that can support teaching and learning. Emerging technologies such as large language models have the potential to be transformative to education and the future of work.

I am glad that both educators and industry are invited to contribute to the call for evidence and look forward to working closely with the department as it engages with the sector on this important issue over the months ahead.

Chris Goodall, Deputy Headteacher, Epsom and Ewell High School, Bourne Education Trust:

As a school at the forefront of implementing education technologies to enhance teaching and learning, Epsom and Ewell High School, part of Bourne Education Trust, wholeheartedly supports the Education Secretary’s initiative to explore the potential of AI in education.

We have seen first-hand the impact that AI can have for teaching and support staff in developing student engagement and greater personalised learning. We believe that AI technologies have the potential to transform teaching and learning, helping teachers to manage their workloads effectively while enhancing student outcomes.

However, we also recognise the risks and concerns that have rightly been highlighted across the sector and understand it is critical to work towards the safe, secure and ethical use of AI. We eagerly anticipate contributing to this call for evidence, and we welcome the opportunity to share our experiences and insights in the hopes of shaping the future of AI in education.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 13 June 2023.

The government is today launching a new music education monitoring board with a wide range of expertise.

A team of experts has been brought together by the government to make sure that all children and young people have access to high-quality music education. The new music education monitoring board consists of over 10 panel members with a wealth of experience ranging from teachers to music industry representatives.

Last year, the government set out its national plan for music education to 2030, which ensures that  all young people and children have the opportunity to progress in the world of music by learning to sing, play an instrument and create music together.

Under these plans, all children and young people will experience a broad musical culture in schools and education settings and will access a high-quality music curriculum, as exemplified by the model music curriculum, published in 2021. Starting this September, schools are also being asked to teach music for at least an hour a week as part of their music development plan, supported by our national network of music hubs.

From September 2024, music hubs will also receive £25 million to fund a wide variety of instruments for children and young people, to be played in and out of school, including adapted instruments for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The board will keep track of the progress in delivering the commitments in the plan and will be chaired by Veronica Wadley CBE, Baroness Fleet. The panel of experts will have its first meeting later this month and plan to meet termly.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:

Every pupil should have the opportunity to be taught a high-quality music curriculum, introducing them to the world’s best music and ensuring they are taught to read and write musical notation.

Music offers an enriching experience which is why we want all schools to teach a fulfilling music curriculum. The new board, chaired by Baroness Fleet, will help our schools deliver this by guiding the implementation of the National Plan for Music Education.

Veronica Wadley CBE, Baroness Fleet, said:

I am delighted to be chairing the monitoring board, continuing the work we started in 2021. It is so important to do all we can to ensure that high quality music is embedded in schools and accessible to young people from all backgrounds.

This is vital for the pipeline of talent and for the future of our great orchestras, the music industry and the wider creative industries.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 8 June 2023.

Nearly 48,000 full time equivalent teachers joined English schools in the 2022/2023 academic year, with 2,800 more teachers now in classrooms than last year.

Schools in England now have more teachers than ever before, as new data reveals there are 468,371 teachers in the workforce, as part of the Government’s ongoing work to attract the brightest and the best to the profession.

The School Workforce Census published today (8 June) shows that nearly 48,000 teachers entered classrooms in the 2022-2023 academic year. This means there are over 27,000 more teachers in classrooms since 2010 and 2,800 more than last year.

The Government has also put in place a range of measures to boost recruitment and retention. In October 2022, the department announced a further increase to the teacher training financial incentives package – with an additional £52m more invested on the previous year. This includes bursaries worth £27,000 tax-free and scholarships worth £29,000 tax-free, which encourage talented trainees to teach key subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing.

On top of this, the Levelling Up Premium worth up to £3,000 tax-free annually is available for maths, physics, chemistry and computing teachers who choose to work in disadvantaged schools in the first five years of their careers. This is helping to support the recruitment and retention of specialist in areas that need them most.

More great teachers in classrooms helps build a world class education system for our children and young people to learn and develop in, and builds on the Government’s work to drive up school standards including the Prime Minister’s ambitions, set out in January, to boost Maths to 18. England’s recent performance in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), where it placed 4th in the world for reading among primary school children, demonstrate the progress made in attainment and teachers are central to this success.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said:

A great education does not happen by chance, and brilliant teachers shape children’s lives every day.

In today’s competitive job market, it is fantastic to see so many people choosing a rewarding teaching career, with a record number of teachers now working in our schools.

We know there is more to do, which is why we have generous bursaries to attract new trainees to teach priority subjects and focusing on supporting new teachers from the very start of their journey with free, high-quality, ongoing professional development.

Today’s data shows the majority of subjects continued to be taught by specialist teachers, with 87.4% of EBacc teaching hours in secondary schools (English, maths, all sciences, history geography and modern foreign languages) taught by a teacher with a relevant post-A level qualification. In Maths 87.2% of hours were taught by a specialist, helping drive the Government’s priority of boosting Maths attainment.

In addition to the number of teachers, the number of support staff has continued to grow for a third year in a row and, at 281,094, there are now a record number of teaching assistants, having risen by 5,300 since last year. This ensures pupils get the support they need to help them learn.

The Department is continuing to deliver major reforms to teacher training, including the Early Career Framework and delivery of National Professional Qualifications. The Government is delivering teacher training and development opportunities for every teacher that wants one, giving all teachers and school leaders access to world-class, evidence-based training and professional development at every stage of their career.

Over 16,700 teachers chose to re-join state schools this year, showing that teaching remains an attractive career.

Teacher retention is also key to ensuring effective teacher supply and quality. The Department has published a range of resources to help address teacher workload, improve wellbeing and support schools to introduce flexible working practices.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 7 June 2023.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 7 June 2023.

£48 million to boost rollout of Higher Technical Qualifications and £140 million for schools and colleges to transform their facilities.

Students up and down the country are set to benefit from more opportunities to embark on a high-quality alternative to a traditional degree, as part of a major investment in skills so people can access training to secure great jobs and grow the economy.

The £48 million Skills Injection Fund (SIF) is being launched today to boost the rollout of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). HTQs are technical courses at levels 4 and 5 which equip students from all backgrounds with the high-quality, higher-level skills needed to secure well-paying jobs, like software developer or construction site supervisor. They also help to meet local labour market needs and boost local economies. The new investment will allow colleges and other providers to deliver more HTQs by funding specialist equipment, facilities, and upskilling staff.

Meanwhile, more than 40 schools and colleges will receive a share of £140 million to transform their facilities to meet demographic increases in young people aged 16 to 19. This could include building more classroom space or technical teaching facilities, so that more students have access to high quality learning environments and projects that will set them on a path to success.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

Supporting people from all backgrounds to embark on high-quality technical courses, armed with the skills they need to climb the ladder of opportunity, is crucial to building a world-class skills nation.

Boosting funding to support the delivery of Higher Technical Qualifications and ensuring that schools and colleges have the space they need to provide all students with top notch training is essential to achieving parity of esteem with traditional degrees and plugging skills gaps in key sectors.

The rollout of HTQs is a key part of the Government’s post-18 skills reform to grow high-quality Level 4 and 5 qualifications, building towards the Lifelong Loan Entitlement. The previous round of the SIF distributed over £21 million to 85 providers, boosting skills training across the country. This includes Manchester City College which used the funding to build a digital lab contributing to the growing media and TV sector.

Further Education colleges and other providers have been invited to apply for a share of the Skills Injection Fund, with new courses starting September 2024. This includes courses in Education & Childcare and Engineering & Manufacturing which will help to produce a pipeline of talent that will plug skills gaps in these key sectors.

Both rounds of funding are part of the Government’s plans to transform technical education and training to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed and provide local employers with access to the skilled workforce they need to grow. This builds on the £165 million Local Skills Improvement Fund announced earlier this month, which will provide tailored funding to plug local skills gaps across the country. These transformative measures will revolutionise skills training to meet local needs and help fulfil the Prime Minister’s priority of boosting the economy.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 5 June 2023.

How Forest Academy used the Behaviour Hubs programme to change perceptions of misbehaviour and respond to pupils’ complex needs.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 1 June 2023.

Landmark legislation will ensure universities protect and promote freedom of speech on campus, fulfilling a manifesto promise to bolster academic freedom.

A huge step forward was taken for protecting free speech in our universities as Professor Arif Ahmed has been appointed as the new Director overseeing free speech at the Office for Students.

While there are already statutory duties on universities to protect free speech – our newly passed Freedom of Speech Act will ensure that universities promote this fundamental value.

The appointment of Professor Ahmed as the new Director follows the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill successfully becoming law on 11 May. The historic legislation will establish a new free speech complaints system, while also strengthening the legal duties on higher education providers in England to protect and promote freedom of speech on campuses up and down the country, for students, staff and visiting speakers.

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing Claire Coutinho said:

We’re making history with the Freedom of Speech Act, ensuring that fear does not undermine the rights of students and academics to debate controversial ideas and securing the right to an open exchange of ideas in universities.

The new Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom will sit on the board of the Office for Students, with responsibility for investigations of breaches of the new freedom of speech duties, including a new complaints scheme for students, staff and visiting speakers who have suffered loss due to a breach.

Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom Professor Ahmed said:

Free speech and academic freedom are vital to the core purpose of universities and colleges. They are not partisan values. They are also fundamental to our civilization.

As Director, I will defend them using all means available. I feel tremendously honoured and fortunate to have been appointed.

The Prime Minister recently stressed the importance of Freedom of Speech on campuses saying:

A free society requires free debate. We should all be encouraged to engage respectfully with the ideas of others.

University should be an environment where debate is supported, not stifled.

A tolerant society is one which allows us to understand those we disagree with, and nowhere is that more important than within our great universities.

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 delivers on the Government’s commitment to strengthen academic freedom and free speech in higher education, helping to protect the reputation of our universities as centres of academic freedom.

Registered higher education providers in England will have extended legal duties not only to take steps to secure freedom of speech and academic freedom, but also to promote these important values. Students’ unions will also be held to the same legal responsibilities as universities and their colleges to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure lawful freedom of speech. Higher education providers and students’ unions that fail to comply may face sanctions, including fines.

The press release issued by the Department of Education on 31 May 2023.

Leading experts in child safeguarding, health, teaching, curriculum development and equalities to contribute to review of the statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education.

Today the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has announced the formation of an independent expert advisory panel who will advise on the review of the relationships, sex and health education curriculum. This is the next step in progressing the government’s mission to ensure that RSHE is taught in an age-appropriate and factual way in England.

The panel will provide expert advice to the Education Secretary on what is appropriate to be taught in RSHE and at what age. They will consider evidence provided by Ofsted on what is happening on the ground in schools to ascertain where clear age ratings are needed, to reassure parents that there is no room for disturbing or inappropriate content to be taught in schools.

This announcement follows robust action to ensure parents know what their children are being taught. In March, the Education Secretary wrote to all schools reminding them that parents should be able to view all curriculum materials, especially for sensitive topics like RSHE.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, said:

The wellbeing and safeguarding of children is our absolute priority, and I share the concerns of parents and teachers about reports that inappropriate lessons are being taught in schools.

The vast majority of teachers do an incredible job navigating these complex and sensitive issues. But the review of the statutory guidance – with the help of this expert panel – will provide clear safeguards against children being taught concepts they are too young to understand or that are inappropriate for their age.

I’m determined to bring forward new guidance as quickly as possible, and schools should continue to engage with parents on lessons that cover the teaching of sensitive issues.

The panel members were carefully considered based on their level of relevant experience and expertise and will bring together input from health, children’s development, and safeguarding:

• Professor Dame Lesley Regan, professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College London and the government’s first ever Women’s Health Ambassador
• Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies
• Helena Brothwell, Regional Director of School Improvement for David Ross Academy Trust
• Alasdair Henderson, barrister specialising in public law, human rights and equality law
• Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families in England

Chief Executive of Star Academies, Sir Hamid Patel, said:

The panel will offer insight on how schools can deliver a high quality RSHE curriculum for all our young people in a way that is age-appropriate, objective and wisely informed by the needs and views of children, parents and families from all backgrounds, across the country.

The review is a welcome opportunity to provide clarity for teachers on expectations, alongside transparency and reassurance for parents.

This is the first review of the statutory guidance since it came into force in 2020. It will provide an opportunity to consider whether the guidance covers the right topics and offers teachers clarity on how to teach sensitive subjects and engage parents positively.

The review of the curriculum will also make sure priority issues are given the attention they deserve, including considering new or additional content on mental health, suicide prevention, vaping and tackling violence against women and girls.

The review will be completed by the end of the year, following a consultation in the autumn. Input from the independent panel and wider stakeholders over the summer will inform the consultation.

The panel will begin work immediately and conclude their work by September 2023. The panel members are expected to give their time on a voluntary basis.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 May 2023.

Local employer skills gaps to be addressed with a funding boost to transform training and grow the economy.

Local communities across the country are set to benefit from a share of £165 million to transform skills training in their area and help get more people into jobs closer to home.

Further education providers are invited to apply for cash from the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which will be used to renovate facilities with up-to-date equipment, help to upskill teachers, and deliver new courses in key subjects such as green construction, carbon capture and cyber security that meet the needs of local employers. This means that wherever there are skills black holes, they will now be filled.

Thousands of people will benefit from this boost to skills training, helping them secure good jobs close to where they live. It will also provide a boost to local economies, as employers will have access to a workforce which is equipped with the specific skills businesses need to grow.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

Building a world-class skills and apprenticeships nation means listening to the specific needs of local people, businesses, and institutions.

This funding will revolutionise how we plug local skills gaps and provide a boost to the economy. Supporting colleges to better meet the needs of local employers not only boosts businesses, it extends the ladder of opportunity to even more people from all backgrounds who will be equipped with the skills they need to secure a rewarding job close to home.

Successful applicants will receive funding to invest in a broad range of initiatives that respond to the specific priorities identified in each area’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). The plans have been created by employer representative bodies in every region of the country and set out the key priorities and changes needed in each area to make post-16 technical training more closely aligned to local labour market needs.

The initiative builds on the success of the Strategic Development Fund, which has already made £157 million available to the further education sector to invest in a range of projects that have had a huge impact on plugging skills gaps in communities up and down the country. This includes investment in the equipment and facilities needed to upskill people in areas such as electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, automation and artificial intelligence.

New City College is part of the collaborative Green Academy Partnership of 13 colleges across London which received a share of £961,000 revenue and £1.5 million capital SDF funding for Green Labs, with investment in key technologies in the low carbon and renewables sector.

Jamie Stevenson, Group Executive Director at New City College said:

Being the project lead for the Central London Forward SDF project has enabled us, alongside local employers and stakeholders, to pioneer a new way of working. From the project’s inception, we have worked collaboratively to identify and meet the local need for high quality technical training to develop green skills. This has included upskilling teaching staff and setting an industry-leading standard for low carbon energy learning labs.

The SDF has made an important contribution to local people and employers in central London by providing access to green skills training which supports people to get a good job or further develop their career in the low carbon energy sector, enabling us to work towards meeting the 2050 net zero challenge.

Weston College is 1 of 4 colleges in the West of England which received a share of £1.2 million revenue and £1.5 million capital SDF funding to invest in training and state-of-the-art equipment for the Aerospace, Advanced Engineering and Health and Social Care sectors to meet the urgent skills needs of the region and the pace of technological development.

Sir Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College said:

This funding has been a catalyst for change for our delivery of skills in the West of England, bringing together educational providers and employers around the table to ensure partnerships are both proactive and effective.

We have been able to use the funds to tailor provision to employer needs but also to ensure it fits with the regions we serve. It is absolutely important that this ground breaking work continues to advance with the flexibilities to match each area’s priorities and the specialist skills needed for the industries that are so key to both our regional and national economic growth.

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 May 2023.

The Government will be raising the subsidy rate for the National Tutoring Programme to 50% in 2023-24.