Blog

School and college leaders are experiencing an increasing level of system-wide challenges, with ASCL’s member support team reporting working conditions, workload and wellbeing as the three biggest concerns raised by members.  In his latest blog, ASCL Pay and Conditions Specialist Chris Ingate outlines how ASCL is working to improve terms and conditions. 

As school leaders grapple with the Government’s new statutory work experience guidance, Nick Chambers, CEO of Education and Employers Charity, considers priorities.

Whilst we welcome the reduction in employer contributions to teachers’ pensions, we also recognise it may create unexpected complexities for leaders in independent schools. ASCL independent sector and pensions specialists Neil Smith and Melanie Moffatt reflect on the issues which school leaders and their governors may need to consider in response to this change.

If schools and colleges are to thrive, then every part of the workforce matters. ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist Kathryn Morgan summarises the key themes which emerged during the recent ASCL People and Culture Conference, and which emphasise the call for building a sustainable education system where every member of the workforce can thrive.

Trust inspection is moving closer but are we asking the right questions? ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist, Kathryn Morgan, explores what trust inspection should achieve before decisions are made about how it will work.

As we come to the end of Pride Month, Richard McDonald, ASCL member and Assistant Principal for The Education Alliance, reflects on the impact of Section 28 on the mindsets of all leaders and its implications for LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools and colleges. 

Although the Schools White Paper does not mention independent schools when calling for more schools to be part of groups, ASCL Independent Sector specialist Neil Smith reflects on whether the approach of a previous Labour government might provide a route for independent schools seeking to deepen partnerships with state schools and seeking ways to guarantee their own futures. Could there be a place for more independent schools in multi-academy trusts? 

At a time when the education workforce is stretched more than ever, prioritising staff development and wellbeing isn’t optional, it’s essential. In her latest blog, ASCL specialist Louise Hatswell, shares how attending our new People and Culture Conference will help you with a range of practical strategies and advice to build an organisational culture where everyone can thrive.

With recent comments by the HMCI that context must be at the heart of inspections, the latest data and experiences of school leaders suggest otherwise, writes ASCL Inspection and Accountability Specialist Andy Jordan. 

Now that the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 has gained Royal Assent, ASCL Independent Sector Specialist Neil Smith considers the implications for the sector in his latest blog. 

Assessment reform is a judgement about what we value most - and what we are prepared to let go. In his guest blog, Dale Bassett of AQA shares AQA's latest insights into what leaders and teachers are advocating for change in content for GCSE and A levels. 

Recent proposals in the Post-16 and Skills White Paper attempted to address the concerning issues around the ‘forgotten third’ and treadmill of English and maths GCSE resits. ASCL Post-16 and Skills Specialist Claire Green highlights the flaws in the DfE’s proposals and invites members to share their views during the consultation process.

Since September, we have been gathering informal feedback from members on their experiences of RISE advisers. What messages have been coming through so far?  ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist Kathryn Morgan shares some key emerging themes in her latest blog. 

We are delighted to announce SMID as a new ASCL Preferred Supplier for 2025-26. In this guest blog, Steve Howse, Creator and Director of SMID outlines how their platform helps school and trust leaders use their existing data to reduce workload and improve outcomes for their pupils. 

In the second part of his two-part blog, ASCL Independent Sector Specialist Neil Smith highlights some key considerations for school and college leaders and their boards when planning for the medium to long term. 

Changes in role, salary, benefits, pensions or personal circumstances can all affect the tax you pay but checking your tax isn’t always top of your to-do list. In this blog, Check My Tax answer some of the common questions raised by ASCL members.  

In the first of a two-part blog, ASCL Independent Sector Specialist Neil Smith considers the main drivers of change - and opportunities - which are likely to impact mainstream independent schools and colleges.

Over the last few years, the car market has evolved rapidly, particularly with electric engines, but with so many options, which vehicle might be right for you? Motor Source Group provides a guide to the different engines, along with details of special offers and benefits for ASCL members.

The Government announced the expansion of its Neighbourhoods programme to a new Pride in Place strategy with funding for the most deprived areas in the country. ASCL Independent Sector Specialist Neil Smith shares how schools and colleges can get involved with and support these vital programmes.

With Bett UK 2026 coming up 21 to 23 January, Duncan Verry, Portfolio Director at Bett Global, shares the latest information on how you can connect and collaborate with educators, learners and policymakers at the world’s biggest EdTech event. ASCL is delighted to be a partner for this great event celebrating education.