Issue 137 - 2026 Summer term

As the government struggles to keep its own house in order, Pepe Di’Iasio says education leaders are once again navigating political uncertainty, financial strain, and the growing prospect of industrial action.

Julia Harnden and Tom Middlehurst reveal whether landmark school reforms match white paper promises and how leaders can prepare for sweeping change.

One year on, Headteacher Manny Botwe reflects on how phone pouches have helped reshape attention, behaviour and wellbeing across his school.

Despite encouraging signs that teacher recruitment and retention are recovering, significant pressures remain, particularly for support staff. Jack Worth examines the progress made, the risks ahead and what school leaders can do to sustain improvement.

As more schools abandon performance-related pay, Chris Ingate discovers one Cornwall trust showing how appraisal built on trust, wellbeing and professional growth can strengthen recruitment, retention and school improvement.

Deborah Allen explains how ASCL’s Hotline Team supports leaders with practical, confidential advice. In this issue, she focuses on parents, complaints and subject access requests (SARs), to help protect staff time and wellbeing.

Deputy Headteacher, Dr Jo Rowley, says it has been a true privilege to serve as ASCL President this year, meeting and listening to talented, committed school and college leaders across the nation. 
 

Browne Jacobson LLP has developed a pack of best practice education policies, which offers more than 40 ready-to-use templates.

Falling pupil numbers are no longer a regional concern but a national crisis.

The DfE has consulted on draft statutory guidance to replace current guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions. Here we look at the key changes schools should prepare for.

The fund is here to support you when you most need it.

ASCL has been quoted widely in the media over the recent period on a range of issues.

ASCL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is a core and ongoing responsibility of our association. 

We know that school and college leadership can be both immensely fulfilling and immensely challenging, often at the same time, so, here, we just want to remind you of all the great benefits of your ASCL membership.

Associate membership allows you to remain part of a trusted professional community while embracing the next chapter.

Claire Green says meaningful education reform means moving beyond endless GCSE resits and tackling the causes of low attainment much earlier.

With growing policy focus on disadvantaged pupils, schools must utilise data to improve student outcomes. Tiffnie Harris explores what leaders should prepare for.
 

As schools face growing financial and operational pressures, Emma Harrison explores how a new joint report makes the case for a more integrated approach to leadership across governance, education and business.
 

As debate continues about how to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis, pensions remain largely absent from the conversation. Melanie Moffatt argues that overlooking the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) risks undermining one of the profession’s greatest strengths.

With the government set to place existing mobile phone guidance on a statutory footing, we’re keen to hear how schools are responding. Do you already have a policy in place, and what does it look like? Here, ASCL members have their say.

Deputy Headteacher Kate Johnston reflects on ASCL Council, shaping policy, and how an open-door approach underpins her leadership.

School and college leaders often feel they’re held accountable for almost every aspect of young people’s lives. But what if parents faced similar scrutiny? Carl Smith explores an Ofsted inspection for parents.