Schools White Paper initial response
The Government published their ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper on 23rd February. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving
In addition to the overall paper, the DfE also published ‘6,500 additional teachers delivery plan’ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving/6500-additional-teachers-delivery-plan-html-version
ASE and our committees will be discussing the implications of the announcements over the coming weeks.
The paper, as expected, focuses on whole school/college initiatives and there is little subject specific detail. However, some areas of interest for science education include:
- Recruitment incentives: will be ‘targeted at subjects where they are needed most’, and ongoing investment in tax-free teacher training bursaries is pledged. However, with the earlier Government decision to remove and cut bursaries in certain subjects from September 2026, including cutting the biology bursary from £26k to £5k, training applications have already been impacted, with TES research citing a 3% reduction in biology ITT applications to January 2026. The lack of bursary will have greater impact on those with less means, meaning a likely drop in diversity of applicants.
- Targeted retention incentives will continue to be offered ‘to retain excellent teachers’ in the first five years of a teacher’s career. Physics and maths are named as priority subjects. Evidence about the effectiveness of these payments is mixed, and as we know that the key reasons affecting teacher retention include workload, stress and responsibility pressures, financial incentives do not address these and raise questions of equity between colleagues.
- Changes to Progress 8, announced last year, will require two dedicated slots for science. The Government have just opened a consultation on ‘Key stage 4 performance measures and targeted RISE extension’ which includes views on improving Progress 8 and Attainment 8 measures. The consultation ends on 4th May 2026 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/key-stage-4-performance-measures-and-targeted-rise-extension (see below for details of how ASE Members can feed back)
- Plans for SEND investment and reforms lack subject specific detail. The proposals have seen positive reaction from a number of education organisations which ‘applaud the vision’ though are cautious about where the resource will come from to implement. There is much more concern from groups representing parents and pupils with SEND. As we know there are specific issues for science teachers, for example modification of practical work. ASE will continue to advocate for subject specific SEND training.
- The recommendation that all state schools become part of a multi-academy trust are likely to have implications for both the standardisation of curriculum implementation, and of organisation and delivery of specialised CPD.
Lynn Ladbrook ASE CEO said...
“There is much to support in the new White Paper, which sets out clear ambitions to ensure every child can achieve and thrive, to halve the disadvantage gap, and to raise standards across the education system. We welcome the recognition of the importance of evidence-informed practice, inclusion, partnership, and career-long teacher development, alongside commitments to invest in SEND provision, school buildings and teacher training.
However, delivering this vision for science education will require sustained and strategic investment in specialist teachers and technicians, high-quality subject-specific professional development, and well-equipped laboratories that enable safe, practical, hands-on learning. Achieving impact for every child will depend on careful planning, adequate resourcing and meaningful collaboration across the education sector. We look forward to working with government on the next steps to help ensure this vision becomes a reality for all young people.”
Member views on the Key Stage 4 Performance Measures Consultation
The Government have launched their consultation on Key stage 4 performance measures and targeted RISE extension. The consultation closes on 4th May 2026. ASE will be responding to the consultation and is keen to gather members views on the proposals, as well as discussing within our committees.
You can access the supporting documents that outline the proposals and a link to the Government's own consultation form, which members are clearly welcome to also complete, through their web page.
If you'd like to submit your views via ASE to help feed into our organisational response, please complete and submit the survey below before Monday 30th March 2026.