Lunchtime Education Policy Update with Caroline Doherty and Sam Freedman

Thank you to those who joined us for the first lunchtime Education Policy Update at EdCity.

Caroline Doherty and Sam Freedman explored the rapidly shifting education policy landscape, focusing on the implications of recent changes in government leadership and priorities. Discussion centred on the continued uncertainty within the Department for Education, with SEND reform remaining important but increasingly sharing attention with new priorities around vocational education, skills and devolution.

A major theme was the growing role of mayoral authorities in shaping education and skills provision, particularly through the proposed devolution of 16-19 funding. Participants considered both the opportunities this presents for stronger local employer engagement and the risks of increased regional variation and unequal capacity across different areas.

The conversation also examined the future of post-16 education, highlighting challenges around vocational pathways, employer involvement and ensuring young people have genuine choice and flexibility. Alongside this, there was discussion about the need to better support the most disadvantaged pupils, particularly those experiencing poor attendance, widening attainment gaps and increasing disengagement from education.

Looking ahead, attention turned to forthcoming policy developments, including the Autumn Budget, The Milburn Review to investigate the rising number of NEET, and an anticipated Department for Education policy document expected to provide greater clarity on the government’s evolving approach to SEND, vocational education and devolution.

Listen to the full discussion here.

The next Education Policy update will be on Wednesday 2 December. No need to book just come along!