The Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help schools and colleges in England design and review high-quality enrichment for pupils and students. The framework includes benchmarks, tools, resources, case studies and evidence materials.
The Department for Education opened a consultation on proposed subject content for a new GCSE in natural history. The proposed qualification would include organisms, habitats, ecological relationships and structured field study.
The Department for Education announced a GBP 4,500 bonus to attract and retain qualified nursery teachers in England’s most deprived communities. The first wave launched in 10 areas, with expansion planned to 30 communities later in 2026.
Ofqual concluded its consultation and decided to introduce new Criteria for Recognition for tranche 1 V Level, Foundation Certificate and Occupational Certificate subjects. Awarding organisations could apply for recognition from 8 June 2026.
The Department for Education published guidance for the new Experts at Hand offer, a national SEND reform intended to bring specialist education and health support into mainstream settings from September 2026. The offer is backed by local delivery through local authorities and integrated care boards.
The U.S. Department of Education announced that it will work with the U.S. Department of Justice on enforcement related to Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and FERPA compliance. The announcement follows an April 2026 Student Privacy Policy Office finding and states that coordinated enforcement measures may include judicial proceedings or potential federal funding consequences.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened Title IX investigations into the Maryland State Department of Education and three Maryland school districts. The investigations concern allegations related to athletics and sex-separated school facilities.
The U.S. Department of Education approved Vermont’s Returning Education to the States waiver. The waiver allows Vermont to consolidate more than $4 million in federal funds through 2029 and align them with state improvement priorities.
The U.S. Department of Education announced four new interagency agreements with the Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice. The agreements are intended to coordinate special education, rehabilitative services, civil rights enforcement, student privacy protection, and advisory functions.
The U.S. Department of Education announced that eligible federal student loan borrowers enrolled in auto pay will receive a 1 percent interest rate reduction beginning July 1, 2026. Borrowers already enrolled or enrolling by September 30, 2026 can benefit through June 30, 2028 if they remain in auto pay.