In a written question in the House of Lords, Lord Weir of Ballyholme asked how many independent schools have closed, or announced that they will close, since July 2024. Baroness Smith of Malvern replied: "Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. The register of independent schools, publicly available as part of the Get Information about Schools website, shows that 20 private schools closed between 29 July 2024 and 11 April 2025. Schools are not required to notify the department of planned closures." Hansard.

In an opinion piece for The Independent, Bridget Phillipson outlines Labour's strategy to improve standards in "stuck" schools. Referencing the government's new improvement programme, which began in February with an initial 32 schools, the education secretary explains: "Today, less than three months later, that number is increasing to more than 200. These schools can receive up to £100,000 each and will get bespoke, targeted support from the best of the best in school improvement: our new RISE teams. A crack team of school experts made up of proven leaders with a track record of getting schools moving and delivering for children." This initiative, Ms Phillipson says, is part of a broader effort to ensure that all children, regardless of background, have access to "brilliant education".​ 

Schools Week publishes a full list of the individuals who will be joining the RISE teams  – with over 80 per cent of them coming from trusts. The paper understands that a list of the schools receiving support is expected to be published next week. By Jack Dyson.

Schools and hospitals will receive no extra cash to fund above-inflation pay rises recommended for teachers and nurses, Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman has said, prompting unions to warn of industrial action if ministers do not amend their plans. The Treasury has budgeted for pay rises of 2.8 per cent, and accepting recommendations for higher awards will mean that public services must find savings elsewhere. The prime minister’s spokesman said that money allocated in the budget "will need to fund the next round of public sector pay awards", adding: "There’ll be no additional funding for pay if recommended awards exceed what departments can afford." By Chris Smyth and Steven Swinford, The Times.

All children at primary school should learn about domestic abuse, Dame Nicole Jacobs has said after a landmark survey found that thousands of children are being forced to suffer violence in the home alone because of a lack of funding. The domestic abuse commissioner said pupils should be learning about issues relating to domestic abuse "earlier than maybe we’re comfortable" with, in light of the scale of abuse. An estimated 800,000 young people were victims of domestic abuse last year. By Matt Dathan, The Times. 

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, Claire Fletcher offers guidance to schools on how to respond when anonymous reviewers post malicious and false claims online. She urges school leaders not to dismiss such comments, recommending instead a response rooted in honesty, transparency, and a clear understanding of the facts. Encouraging parents to be thoughtful in their reactions, she writes: "Think twice, and contact the head. Not everything you read is true." Claire Fletcher is the founding headmistress of Phoenix House, a British preparatory school in central Tokyo.

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