Policy updates
Each week, BESA’s Policy Update provides a deep dive into a key political development shaping the education sector. Whether it’s legislative changes, funding updates, or shifts in government priorities, we bring you the insight and analysis you need to stay informed. Sign up now to receive the latest article delivered straight to your inbox every week or explore our archive of past updates below.
BESA International Update: 01/05/2026
30 April 2026
This week I have started consultations with members and other associations to inform the International Education Strategy Sector Action Plan that I reported on…
BESA International Update: 24/04/2026
24 April 2026
Yesterday I attended the inaugural meeting of the new Education Sector Action Group (ESAG) on behalf of BESA. What ESAG is (and what it’s for) ESAG…
BESA International Update: 16/04/2026
16 April 2026
Welcome to the first international update from BESA, your weekly roundup of news and overseas insights to help you support your exporting activities. Firstly…
V-Levels Subjects Announced
13 March 2026
This week the Government announced more details about its upcoming new qualification, V-Levels. The new qualification will sit alongside T-levels and A-levels and provide…
Schools White Paper Key Announcements
27 February 2026
Key takeaways 1) Services wrapped around schools 2) Curriculum, transitions and enrichment 3) Inclusion and disadvantage 4) Engagement, attendance and behaviour 5) Innovation, AI…
AI Personal Tutor
20 February 2026
Plans to develop an AI personal tutor were first announced by the Secretaries of State for Education and for Science, Technology and Innovation. They…
School Estate Strategy
13 February 2026
The Department for Education has launched a new strategy for managing the schools estate. This comes following the announcement of the spending review which…
Qualifications Scotland
6 February 2026
The new public body responsible for qualifications in Scotland came into force this week replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Confidence in the previous…