Get 2026 off to a great start and join our community of over 25,000 senior leaders in every type of #education setting from primary to post-16. Join ASCL this month and you'll benefit from 50% off membership fees until Dec 2026. We're here to support and represent you: www.ascl.org.uk/join

The financial landscape in education is not just complex; it is constantly moving, writes @ascl-uk.bsky.social's Julia Harnden, as she looks ahead to what 2026 might bring for schools

Join us in Manchester next month when we'll be inviting leaders to examine how strong #pastoral leadership underpins a thriving, connected and successful school community. Full details at www.ascl.org.uk/pastoral#pastoral Many thanks to event sponsor humanutopia #ASCLPastoral #SEND

Our offices are now closed and will reopen on 2 January. From all the ASCL team, we send you our best wishes for Christmas and 2026. #Christmas #Christmasbreak

Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn Newydd Dda. Our final video briefing and newsletter of 2025 for members in Wales: https://ow.ly/awAm50XMrio #Wales #Cymru #education

From all the team at ASCL, we send you our best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. #Christmasbreak #Christmasholidays #Christmas

#ASCLmembers: it's the final video briefing of 2025 for members in #NorthernIreland, with topics including changes to the SEN statutory assessment process, the next ASCLNI Policy Forum , and consultations on onscreen examinations and school attendance: https://ow.ly/1iN650XLw3j

"I couldn't have asked for better support at what was a very difficult time. I am extremely grateful to ASCL for making this as smooth as possible." We represent 25,000 senior leaders across the UK from primary through to post-16. See our fantastic offer for new members: www.ascl.org.uk/join

Over the past year, a succession of DfE announcements have certainly felt like ‘rage bait’, writes ASCL General Secretary Pepe Di’Iasio , who hopes ‘wellbeing’ is the focus of 2026. Read his article in Tes magazine https://ow.ly/7mN850XLj1H #education

“It is essential that the government also introduces effective measures to prevent at source the spread of online misogynistic content which is served up to young people by #socialmedia algorithms.” Full response to plans to protect children from misogyny and abuse: https://ow.ly/AVMI50XL1yh

#ASCLmembers: December's #SEND and #Inclusion News by Margaret Mulholland#ASCLmembers#SEND#Inclusioncludes key updates, research and opportunities to support and help leaders keep our most vulnerable learners at the centre of decision-making. Plus #ASCLPastoral next month and our new SEND Leadership programme.

“It is great news that more young people will get to benefit from studying abroad...through Erasmus+. Our hope is that this will help to incentivise language learning in schools...and put young people in the UK on an even footing with their European peers." Full comment: https://ow.ly/BlqG50XKOju

Today's video for #ASCLmembers in #Wales includes a summary of last week's inspiring #ASCLCymru2025 and more on the background to the #ASCLCymruManifesto launched last week: ow.ly/TBAs50XKku0 #Wales #Cymru #education

There have been many changes to the School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document (STPCD) in recent years. @ascl-uk.bsky.social specialist @louisehatswell.bsky.social highlights some of the most important & advises #schools on how they can navigate these:

@ascl-uk.bsky.social Women Leaders… a date for your diary! 12 January 6-7pm Professor @beckyfrancis.bsky.social will be sharing insights and part of a q&a. Join the network to be involved! DM me if you’re an ASCL member and want to join!

@pepediiasio.bsky.social is joined by ASCL President @drjoro.bsky.social at #ASCLCymru2025 for today's video briefing. Along with the #ASCLCymruManifesto, topics include new #SEND places, online assessments, and ongoing issues you've been raising with us around Catholic MATs: ow.ly/O1TA50XIr4a

#ASCLCymru2025 has now closed. It has been an amazing two days packed with insights and inspiration as we continue to speak on behalf of members and act on behalf of children. Thank you to event sponsors Steplab#ASCLCymru2025and all involved in this event. Have a safe journey home. #ASCLCymruManifesto

#ASCLmembers in #Wales: look out for our special newsletter today with details of the #ASCLCymruManifesto, launched at #ASCLCymru2025 yesterday. You can read and download the manifesto at www.ascl.org.uk/cymrumanifesto#ASCLmembers#Wales#ASCLCymruManifesto#ASCLCymru2025#Cymru #education #policy

Loved recording this podcast with the fabulous Emma Harrison, do give it a listen, we cover some really important issues

It's been a really busy Day 1 at the #ASCLCymru2025 but nearly time now for delegates to relax and enjoy the evening programme. Many thanks to WJEC for sponsoring the drinks reception and Catherine Hulme#ASCLCymru2025Leadership Edge for sponsoring the conference dinner. #Wales #Cymru #conference

#ASCLmembers in #NorthernIreland: today's video briefing comes to you from #ASCLCymru2025. Topics this week include the new #Literacy Framework, consultations on school attendance and the controlled schools body, plus details of the next ASCL NI #Policy Forum: https://ow.ly/6Bib50XHrm4

Do you have questions about your #pension? In the latest Business Brunch #podcast, Emma Harrison is joined by ASCL pensions specialist Melanie Moffatt to help you navigate your way through this often complex area, and including the TPS and LGPS. Listen and download: www.ascl.org.uk/businessbrunch#pension?

"Our manifesto is addressed equally to all politicians of all parties. It sets out four urgent asks for the education system and four asks for children. To ignore these asks, to fail to prioritise them..." Read ASCL #Cymru Director's full keynote at #ASCLCymru2025 https://ow.ly/cAvl50XHhkQ

Delighted to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle to speak to delegates at #ASCLCymru2025 today. We thank her for joining us and taking the time to answer questions from delegates. (pictured here with ASCL Cymru Immediate Past President Rona Archer and National Officer Ann Webb)

#ASCLmembers: December's Business Matters by Emma Harrison includes details of the Business Leader Online Forum meetings coming up in early 2026, the support staff pay claim for 2026-27, and changes to the STPCD Subscribe to this and all our newsletters at www.ascl.org.uk/MyASCL#ASCLmembersvia 'Preferences'.

SEND funding alert: The statutory override keeping £6bn of SEND deficits off local authority books ends in 2028. Where will the money come from & what does this mean for #schools? @pepediiasio.bsky.social – @ascl-uk.bsky.social – calls for urgent clarity: buff.ly/4fwvsRi #SEND #SchoolFunding

There's a great buzz at ASCL Cymru Annual Conference today, with the brilliant Treorchy Comprehensive School choir providing some wonderful musical Christmas cheer to get the conference off to a great start. #ASCLCymru2025 #Cymru #Wales #education

Ahead of the Senedd elections in May, we have today launched the #ASCLCymruManifesto. We call on politicians of all parties to commit to addressing four urgent asks for the #education system and children in #Wales. See our press release and manifesto at: https://ow.ly/Z86u50XGMT3

ASCL #Cymru has visited the #Senedd in #Cardiff to hand over the #ASCLCymruManifesto for #education to the political parties ahead of the elections in May. It was a great pleasure to meet Plaid Cymru Cefin Campbell who received his copy in person. ➡️ www.ascl.org.uk/cymrumanifesto#Cymru

Many thanks to #ASCLCymru2025 event sponsor Steplab They're also joining WJEC, Catherine Hulme Academy21, Zioxi, School of Hard Knocks, Attend InVentry Ltd#ASCLCymru2025IXL Learning, Governors for Schools, Plus One Learning, SMARTcurriculum Ltd and YONDR in our fantastic exhibition.

Croeso! A very warm welcome to the ASCL Cymru Annual Conference in Cardiff. Education opens doors and broadens horizons; it shapes lives and brings confidence. In essence, #education brings opportunity, and this is our theme for #ASCLCymru2025. Our thanks to event sponsor Steplab

ASCL President 2025-26 Jo Rowley has recorded this special video to announce another two fantastic keynote speakers for #ASCL2026. For full details of our speakers and to book your place, visit www.ascl.org.uk/annualconference #ASCL2026 #education #conference

"Free school meals are a lifeline for many families in #Wales, and we are glad to see this additional funding made available. There is much more that needs to be done to address the barriers created by child poverty..." Full comment by ASCL #Cymru: https://ow.ly/ik5L50XGJBT

School leaders: if you're currently in the window for an #inspection and want to know how to best prepare your SLT and wider school and college staff, we have two half-day sessions coming up in January: www.ascl.org.uk/preparing-for-Ofsted#inspection #Ofsted #education #SLT

Today's video with Pepe Di’Iasio comes to you from a bustling central London, and includes the latest resources to assist with inspections, new government initiatives on youth employment, a new apprenticeships boost, and attendance and behaviour hubs: https://ow.ly/5aGL50XGnKl #Ofsted #education

Our video briefing for members in #Wales includes news of the #ASCLCymruManifesto which we'll be launching on Thursday at #ASCLCymru2025 in Cardiff. Also, our evidence to the IWPRB 7th remit for the 2026 pay award: https://ow.ly/QMY550XGbyX#Wales#ASCLCymruManifesto#ASCLCymru2025#Cymru #education

"We also call for wider systemic support including improved access to mental health services, secure housing, and affordable transport, which are critical to enabling participation in education and training." Full comment on funding for training & workplace opportunities: https://ow.ly/J52H50XFLAv

We're excited to share that we'll be attending the @ascl-uk.bsky.social Literacy and Oracy Conference in January! Our Director of Children's Books Lizzie Catford will be speaking about engaging reluctant readers through shared reading activities. Find out more 👇 https://bit.ly/48okU5y

ICYMI: Education Support #TWIX2025 report provides a comprehensive overview of the current #mentalhealth and #wellbeing of #education professionals across the UK. In their #blog, they highlight the challenges but also offer recommendations for evidence-based change: https://ow.ly/zaP650XwW7R

We're in ASCL HQ for today's video briefing with Pepe Di’Iasio where we've been reviewing the applications for workshops for #ASCL2026. Also, the Government's launch of its Child Poverty Strategy, and resources from #Ofsted for parents: https://ow.ly/krax50XCQ26

#ASCLmembers: December's festive-themed Team ASCL webinar, including NFF allocations, #AutumnBudget, #SEND funding, the college financial planning handbook, and lifelong learning entitlement, is available to watch or download: www.ascl.org.uk/teamascl#ASCLmembers#AutumnBudget#SENDlog in required)

Friday's video briefing by @catherine-falcus.bsky.social for ASCL Cymru members includes an update on next week's #ASCLCymru2025 - a few places are now available so please follow the link in the newsletter if you'd like to attend. Also, the latest attendance statistics: ow.ly/kHnc50XCK7e #Wales

Great to present for @ascl-uk.bsky.social at today’s trailblazing Kent #PathwaysForAll event! Fab to see schools, FE & specialist FE leaders, employers & LA united to ensure ambitious post-16 pathways, tackle NEET & address skills gaps.Grateful for all insights shared - true collaboration in action!

"...we need to see more than just these policies in isolation. A cross-Whitehall response, backed by widespread investment, is required to make a tangible difference to the unacceptably high rate of child poverty.” Comment on the government's child poverty strategy: https://ow.ly/Akpq50XBZQO

Our video briefing by Michael McAuley for #ASCLmembers in #NorthernIreland includes updates on this week's publication of the Independent Review of Teacher Workload, investment in #digital #education, examinations officer support clinic, and the ASCL NI #Policy Forum: https://ow.ly/KZqR50XBWk4

#ASCLmembers: look out for the last issue for 2025 of #Independent Sector News by @smitne.bsky.social, including a look at the implications of the #Curriculum and #Assessment Review for the sector, our work around partnerships between state and independent schools, and the Pride in Place programme.

SEND funding alert: The statutory override keeping £6bn of SEND deficits off local authority books ends in 2028. Where will the money come from & what does this mean for #schools? @pepediiasio.bsky.social – @ascl-uk.bsky.social – calls for urgent clarity buff.ly/4fwvsRi #SEND #SchoolFunding

It's the #NationalYearofReading in 2026, and we're delighted that the #ASCLLiteracy and Oracy Conference will return in January, with our theme this year 'Empowering every voice through literacy'. See the programme and book online at www.ascl.org.uk/Literacy2026 #literacy #oracy

"While there are certainly some positive signs here, the fact remains that the target for ITT recruitment in secondary subjects has once again been missed." Our full comment on the ITT census: www.ascl.org.uk/News/Our-new... #education #recruitment #ITT

“It is imperative that schools have clarity on this as a matter of urgency, and that there is a transparent and fair process for schools wanting to apply in the future,” says @pepediiasio.bsky.social #Ofsted #inspection