Articles
Children and Wellbeing Bill: Proposed MAT-Level inspections and expanded intervention powers
05 Feb 2026The Children and Wellbeing Bill continues its passage through Parliament. Newly tabled clauses would, if enacted, introduce a statutory framework for inspection and intervention at multi-academy trust (“MAT”) level. These proposals represent a notable development in the accountability regime for academy trusts and reflect an increasing policy focus on trust-wide performance, leadership and capacity.
Preparing for the new rules on restrictive interventions in Academies
05 Feb 2026From 1 April 2026, Academies will be subject to new legal requirements on the use of restrictive interventions, including reasonable force, seclusion and non-force related restraint.
A reminder for schools to be alert to copyright infringement
22 Jan 2026In this article we consider how schools may inadvertently find themselves facing a claim for copyright infringement and what you should be aware of in order to avoid this.
Court of Appeal dismisses appeal in permanent exclusion case - what does this mean for your school?
15 Dec 2025The Court of Appeal, in a majority judgment, has dismissed an appeal challenging a school's decision to permanently exclude a pupil for misconduct.
Important changes to the Academy Trust Handbook regarding confidentiality clauses
15 Dec 2025The Department for Education's update to the Academy Trust Handbook in October 2025 has significantly changed the way in which confidentiality clauses can be used by academies, including in settlement agreements. Academies need to be aware of these changes to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues.
From patchwork to programme – The DfE’s estates strategy and the race to remove RAAC by 2029
15 Dec 2025In October, the Department for Education (DfE) announced new timetables for the removal of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from schools and colleges in England.
