Changes to the educational system within the United Kingdom occur from time to time, and one of the most recent involves the newly passed Schools Bill.

Let’s take a look at six important takeaway points:

1. What is the Schools Bill?

This bill is essentially an attempt to raise nationwide educational standards while providing students and teachers with increased support.

The primary goal is to provide more learning opportunities while simultaneously ensuring that the schools in question are properly managed. 

2. The Role of Academy Trusts

The Schools Bill places a fair amount of emphasis upon academy trust membership.

This arises from the fact that academies are able to provide more fiscal and logistical support to the institutions themselves.

So, teachers can return their focus to education and student development. This bill will encourage schools to become members of local academy trusts.

3. Increased Funding Capacities

Funding is crucial in education, and the Schools Bill has therefore chosen to invest £4 billion for the 2022/23 academic year. 

This represents an increase of seven percent when compared to the previous year.

Not only will more financial liquidity benefit institutions in terms of infrastructure, but it can allow teachers to adopt the latest tracking technology.

To see an example of an EYFS assessment guide, click here. 

4. A Greater Emphasis Upon Attendance

It is a well-known fact that attendance and success are highly correlated.

Therefore, students who are regularly late or absent from classes are placed at a profound disadvantage.

Another facet of the recent Schools Bill involves legislation that is intended to clarify attendance guidelines.

This will help to clarify the roles of students and teachers alike. 

5. Registration for Home-Schooled Children

Alternative forms of education such as homeschooling have become increasingly popular over the years.

The only issue is that certain regions have suffered from registration issues.

Local governments need to be aware of which students are being schooled from home so that they (and their parents) can be provided with the latest educational resources.

The Schools Bill seeks to streamline this process. 

6. Greater Educational Transparency

Transparent educational practices are important, and the Schools Bill is changing some ways such oversight is provided.

For example, Ofsted will levy heavy penalties upon schools that are not officially registered. Higher standards will also have to be met in regard to institutions that wish to officially register.

Misconducts within the classroom will likewise be addressed to ensure that students are treated fairly and that no type of abuse occurs. 

Conclusion

We can now see that the Schools Bill is rather ambitious in terms of what it hopes to tackle.

However, this is also very important when we consider the impact that education will have upon a child.

Parents with additional questions should speak with their local institution or contact a UK Department of Education representative.