Child poverty is projected to rise from 31 per cent in 2023-24 to 34 per cent by 2029-30. But policy can make a big difference - with the two-child limit abolished, the rate would drop immediately, and be no higher in 2029-30 than 2024-25.

This a really interesting interview piece with Amanda Pritchard. Lots to takeaway and many similarities between health and education. I endorse her view that buying new solutions is easy, its the implementation and consistency of leadership that is key.

Our new polling shows that school leaders are having to cut budgets, and 46% reported using pupil premium to plug gaps elsewhere. Meanwhile, less than 10% of school leaders say pupil premium funding is enough to fully support eligible pupils. Urgent action is needed 👇

ASCL Members, your insights on the government's School Based Nurseries initiative are invaluable. If you've had a bid accepted or have feedback to share, please take a moment to contribute through our usual channels. Your input helps shape collective understanding and strengthens our impact.

A&O Shearman's AI tool marks a pivotal advancement in legal technology, streamlining high-level tasks and fostering greater efficiency in senior legal work. This development underscores the growing synergy between AI and professional services. A compelling example of innovation reshaping industries.

It’s a WhatsApp world at work now | Opinion https://www.ft.com/content/5c160cf1-0a1a-4a9c-b386-4142880de1d5

Fascinating graph that I’ve never seen before - govt spending vs tax for age groups from the FT

March's Education Matters includes a round-up of #ASCL2025 and our responses to the DfE and #Ofsted accountability consultations. Education Matters is our newsletter for non-members who want to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting the sector: sign up at www.ascl.org.uk/educationmatters

´Let's Go Zero has highlighted that transport in special schools is a major carbon producer. While eliminating transport isn't feasible, our students have campaigned for more sustainable vehicles. Their voices are powerful and influential.’ Great to hear from Tarina young people calling for change

Reeves orders £2bn Whitehall cuts to help repair public finances https://www.ft.com/content/d15e6f1f-0e18-45d4-b2dc-22885f44935e

The Chancellor's interview this morning with #BBCLauraK highlighting discussions about departmental spending priorities and the potential role of technology and AI in public services. As these changes are considered, it may also be an opportune time to review income tax thresholds for individuals.

BREAKING: Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.5% and sticks with “gradual and careful” approach to easing

Our research has shown that working class young people are struggling to access creative degrees and careers. Today's announcement from the Department for Education is a welcome move that will help pupils pursue their artistic and creative interests from an early age ⬇️ www.gov.uk/government/n...

The problem with a bonfire of quangos is that it doesn’t make the underlying work go away as so eloquently illustrated by the abolition of the Audit Commission on.ft.com/42ci6oK

There’s no doubt that providing #breakfastclubs in primary schools is a good idea, so why does the government’s direction of travel in this policy area raise so many concerns, asks Chief Education Officer @annettecmontague.bsky.social in her guest blog: ow.ly/O9fu50VeM2t #blog #education #primary

Bank of England expected to leave interest rates on hold today, as wage growth slows – business live

"It is you, the people on the ground working day in, day out with young people that make a difference." ASCL President Manny Botwe has now brought #ASCL2025 to a close. Thank you to all involved in this fantastic event and have a safe journey home.

Thank you @lewisgoodall.com for sharing your reflections at #ASCL2025 on your own education through its 'golden age', and the work you continue to do to highlight the need for investment in children and young people.

Sam Freedman at #ASCL2025: government departments must "tell the story" with policies - education leaders won't know what is expected of them or what the government is aiming for if the narrative isn't clear. It is unusual for there to be no white paper for the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Fascinating - and at times alarming - to hear from @samfr.bsky.social on how government operates, navigating policymaking to fit the media cycle, hyper-centralisation, and executive control. #ASCL2025

For our penultimate session at #ASCL2025 we're delighted to welcome @samfr.bsky.social to the stage for a conversation with @juliemcculloch.bsky.social

#ASCL2025 - Sinead begins with some stark figures in terms of the education workforce and the reported levels of stress, burnout and difficulty in turning off. As leaders, we must be more ruthless in how we prioritise our time and health in the long term, and be better at setting boundaries.

Not already an ASCL member? Ruth is ready to let you know all about our special #ASCL2025 joining offer. Representatives from our member support and professional development teams and leaders' networks are also on hand to answer any queries. We're in Hall 2 and looking forward to seeing you!

Prof Becky Francis at #ASCL2025 updates delegates on the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the work done so far following feedback and surveys. The review is about evolution, not revolution, and seeks to build on existing success.

Great to be talking about the importance of inclusion built in as a front and centre part of the system - @tomrees.bsky.social and Margaret Mulholland. Every child deserves the best. @ascl-uk.bsky.social #ASCL2025

We now welcome @tomrees.bsky.social and ASCL's @mmulholland.bsky.social to the stage at #ASCL2025 to hear about Tom's work with the Inclusion Advisory Group.

"Never underestimate your power to influence. As highly regarded civic leaders, your impact extends far beyond your school or college gates. You set the standards across your institutions. You shape the culture of your communities. You are the example young people look to." #ASCL2025

"Funding matters. But if we want a better system, we also need a different approach. Every teacher must be a teacher of children with #SEND, and every leader must be a leader of children with SEND. That means equipping them with the right training and support." #ASCL2025

"We need resilience now more than ever, together with a healthy dose of optimism. Because these are not easy times...the theme of this conference is A Brighter Future...and we firmly believe that by working constructively with policymakers, we have the best chance of making it a reality." #ASCL2025

In his keynote at #ASCL2025, @pepediiasio.bsky.social pays tribute to the remarkable Sophie Bryant and Frances Mary Buss, founders of the Association of Headmistresses and the organisation that would eventually evolve into what we now know as the Association of School and College Leaders. #ASCL150

It's Day 2 of #ASCL2025 and the sun is shining in #Liverpool. Our extensive exhibition will be open from 8.30am so do make sure you spend some time having a chat with exhibitors at their stands. Any issues? Our friendly Conference team are here to help you on the enquiries and app desks.

Many topics covered in @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social wide-ranging and fascinating keynote at #ASCL2025, including the importance of narrating your strategy, how government and public life has got harder, how schools give him hope, and our "jam jars of mental health".

Delighted to welcome Anu Manthri, Grace Kelly, and Fiona Law of one of our main event sponsors #GoogleforEducation to #ASCL2025 who are looking at what #SEND and #sustainability might look like in the future, as well as the skills we'll need in education.

Many thanks to Maddie, William and Aisha of Tytherington School for sharing your experiences - in Mandarin and in English - on your visit to China, as well as your really engaging Mandarin lesson to delegates. All the more impressive in a room full of nearly 1,000 teachers! #ASCL2025

Sir Martyn Oliver summarises what has been a whirlwind year of change, both in and out of the sector, and encourages delegates to respond to the #Ofsted consultation. He reiterates the purpose of report cards and says the new system recognises strengths and inclusion. #ASCL2025

"Despite the challenges, I am hopeful. I believe this country’s best days lie ahead, not behind. There are so many examples of excellence in countless colleges and schools. But together we need to go further, so that every child gets the best education." Bridget Phillipson at #ASCL2025

"Children cannot learn, grow, or thrive if they are cold, hungry, and living in inadequate housing. No child should have to endure such hardship. This is why ending child poverty must become a national priority." #ASCL2025

"Today’s young people face challenges that are vastly different from those of previous generations. Their world is shaped by smartphones, #socialmedia, memes, and influencers – forces that shape their identities, interactions, and even their mental #wellbeing." #ASCL2025

“We have long argued that free school meals should be extended to all families in receipt of universal credit rather than only those below a very low income threshold..." Our full comment on @edupolicyinst.bsky.social report on #freeschoolmeals and #pupilpremium: ow.ly/19V950VaTEw

In his recent Financial Times article, David Blunkett highlights the pressing issue of youth unemployment in the UK. I couldn't agree more with his view that the solution lies in a public-private collaboration.

The FT reports that the NHS is exploring private finance initiatives to address its deteriorating infrastructure. While this might seem like a quick fix, we must be cautious.

🗣️ "It would benefit probably about 1 million additional children." We're calling on the Government to expand free school meals eligibility so that it covers all families who receive universal credit. More from @beckymontacute.bsky.social on the costings of this policy ⬇️

The recent Financial Times report highlights Chancellor Rachel Reeves' call for an audit of 130 regulators, aiming to shift focus from risk to growth. While fostering growth is crucial, we must tread carefully to ensure that this shift doesn't compromise the stability that regulation provides.

An interesting article. Strengthening senior management isn’t the only answer. Effective processes and procedures can ease pressures and improve efficiency, as can clarity of expectations; and good quality HR advice and guidance is an essential management tool.

An interesting article. Great to see business leaders making decisions that are the right thing to do. Piloting their own second hand market place is a great move. More companies need to consider the lifecycle of the products they produce.

Julie McCulloch, policy director at the Association of School and College Leaders, said inadequate funding would “stretch already challenging budgets to breaking point and risk disruption to any existing wrapround care”. @juliemcculloch.bsky.social @ascl-uk.bsky.social

In case you missed it: The UK economy unexpectedly grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter, in a modest boost for Labour as it seeks to fulfil its pledges to re-energise the economy. www.ft.com/content/6eb3...

I will be speaking at the ASCL Conference on Sat 15 March with @taskmasteredu.bsky.social. If you're attending, do come and join us at 12:40pm, to find out how we use #Taskmaster to develop key skill in young people. @ascl-uk.bsky.social #EduSky #ASCL2025 www.ascl.org.uk/Microsites/A...

Economic growth can't be our only goal. We must address poverty and ensure that every child has a chance at a better future. Tackling institutional barriers and improving access to careers are crucial steps in this journey. www.theguardian.com/business/202...

Is anyone currently serving on or a previous member of ACCA’s Sector Panel Communities? I’ve had a recent communication about them and it would be great to connect with people who have experience of them.