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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.
Conservative Party Conference
9 October 2026
Twelve months ago in Manchester, Kemi Badenoch needed a strong speech just to quieten talk of a leadership challenge. This week in Birmingham the…
Labour Party Conference 2026
2 October 2026
As many have said in the last few days, what a difference a year can make. Could Andy Burnham and his top team have…
The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government
4 September 2026
The Scottish Government published its Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 on 1 September 2026. Unlike the usual annual programme, it sets out the…
Ministerial and Machinery of Government Changes
24 July 2026
Ministerial Changes – by Anna Wolffe When Andy Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday, one of his key appointments was Chancellor. Both Ed Miliband…
Andy Burnham’s Devolution Agenda
17 July 2026
Burnham’s speech at People’s History Museum in Manchester gave a vision for the country which will no doubt see a greater focus on devolving…
EdTech Market in England
10 July 2026
Last week, the Department for Education published its Assessment of the Education Technology Market in England, produced by the consultancy PUBLIC using data from…
Enrichment Benchmarks
19 June 2026
The DfE has published its school enrichment benchmarks to help schools plan, strengthen, and review their enrichment offers. These benchmarks are non-statutory, but the…
Milburn Review: Phase 1
29 May 2026
What are NEETs and what is the scale of the problem? The term ‘NEETs’ refers to young people who are ‘not in education, employment…