👤 Eleanor Busby

2026-10-19 · Evening Standard · Education

‘Cruel and unnecessary’ school absence fines should end, Motherland star says

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2026-10-19 · Evening Standard · Education

Parents facing childcare challenges as more schools extend October half term

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2026-09-24 · Evening Standard · Education

Education Secretary insists new vocational GCSEs are not ‘dumbing down’ system

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2026-09-24 · Evening Standard · Education

Teenagers in England to be offered new vocational GCSEs under Government reforms

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2026-09-24 · Evening Standard

🔮 The qualifications – which will sit alongside traditional GCSEs – will be available to 14-year-olds in some subjects from as early as September 2029, and they will eventually replace existing Technical Awards. assertive

2026-09-24 · Evening Standard

🔮 Education Secretary insists new vocational GCSEs are not ‘dumbing down’ system The qualifications – which will sit alongside traditional GCSEs – will be available to 14-year-olds in some subjects from as early as September 2029. The new subjects offered could include business management and finance, child development, and building and construction. assertive

2026-10-19 · Evening Standard

🔮 Maxwell Martin said: “Fining and prosecuting vulnerable children and their families for non attendance is cruel and unnecessary and most importantly doesn’t work in improving attendance figures. “What does improve outcomes for young people facing difficulty is meeting their needs at the point of need.” If the child is off school three or more times within the same period, parents may be taken to court and they could face a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or a jail sentence. The former Conservative government announced the hike in fines in 2024 as part of a drive to boost school attendance since the pandemic. assertive

2026-10-19 · Evening Standard

🔮 Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, said: “The autumn term can be particularly demanding for both pupils and staff, and an extended break may help support wellbeing, motivation and readiness for the remainder of the term.” assertive