Insights

The Office of the School's Adjudicator's (OSA) annual report provides admission authorities with a timely reminder to check their admission arrangements ahead of the statutory consultation window opening on 1 October. 

The schools sector continues to face significant challenges as it prepares for the upcoming Schools White Paper, expected in January. This is anticipated to focus on inclusion and the growing need for schools to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) effectively, whether in mainstream or specialist settings. 

There have been lots of significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa route in the last 18 months, increasing the salary thresholds and reducing the list of eligible occupations.

It has been a strong year for VWV’s higher education team, marked by new partnerships with the University of Hertfordshire, the University of Bath, the University of Portsmouth and a successful appointment to the new LUPC national framework for higher education. 

With major reforms to dismissal rights on the horizon, independent schools have only a limited window to review staffing models and implement any planned contractual changes before flexibility is significantly reduced.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions can lead to legal challenges, regulatory risk and negative outcomes for pupils. It is therefore essential that those involved in school exclusions are up to date on the relevant law, guidance and best practice, to ensure that suspensions and permanent exclusions are imposed lawfully and that those reviewing the decision of a Headteacher or Principal to exclude do so with a rigorous level of scrutiny.