2025: a year of opportunity for schools

As the new year begins and the snow thaws (in Birmingham, at least), a fragile hope for change is emerging against the backdrop of evolving government policies.

Blog

09/01/2025

Sharing our manifesto and Annual Governance Survey findings with the incoming government helped us highlight the issues you care about. We continue to speak up about the challenges you’re working with school and trust leaders to overcome; your insights and experiences help us influence positive policy changes.

Read on to find out more about upcoming changes.

Breaking down barriers

NGA’s spring focus is on children, families and communities. We know that too many families are living in poverty and that this is part of a complex picture of societal issues that schools are having to respond to pragmatically. Later this month, we will publish updated tools and resources to help you identify and secure support for pupil groups that are (statistically speaking) at an educational disadvantage.

This focus chimes with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which begins its journey through parliament this week. The government hopes this will “put children’s futures at the centre of rebuilding public services and break down barriers to opportunity”.

Measures set out in the bill include the rollout of free breakfast clubs in every primary school, with the aim of improving attendance and supporting working parents. The government will also further limit branded school uniform items to reduce costs for parents – sorely needed given that our survey responses suggest three-quarters of schools now offer a pre-loved uniform service.

The bill recognises the vital role that schools play in safeguarding children. New compulsory registers will identify children who are not in school as part of plans to improve visibility and support for these children, acknowledging the sharp rise in homeschooling since the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage all boards to explore whether this trend is present in their school or trust and the reasons behind it.

New Ofsted inspection framework

NGA members have long broadly supported Ofsted’s role in the wider accountability system. Nonetheless, we have also called for reforms to the inspection process to address a pervasive culture of fear around inspection.

This year, a new Ofsted inspection framework and report cards will be introduced. We continue to work closely with the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted to inform these developments and ensure that the vital role of governance is recognised within the inspection process. After all, we know that good governance can catalyse transformation, achieved through genuine connection to the community and unwavering accountability to stakeholders.

Achieving a ‘broad, inclusive and innovative’ curriculum

The government’s curriculum and assessment review has several aims, including delivering “a broader curriculum, so that children and young people do not miss out on subjects such as music, art, sport and drama, as well as vocational subjects.”

In our 2024 Annual Governance Survey, a worrying 59% of respondents reported the reduced teaching or cutting of certain subjects due to budget constraints.

NGA responded to the review’s call for evidence in November 2024, highlighting that governors and trustees would, first and foremost, like to see an emphasis on skills.

Early review findings suggest that assessment and exams are often thought to “dictate curriculum” and the curriculum is “overprescribed and overstuffed”. The review is due to publish recommendations early this year.

Building and supporting the workforce

None of the change we’re all hoping for can happen without staff in schools to deliver it. And this is perhaps the most prominent mountain the government must climb in 2025.

Advances have been made, notably the most recent pay increase for teachers and support staff. There are also signs that the government is serious about supporting flexible working, a real opportunity to improve staff wellbeing and help address the recruitment crisis.

We know governors and trustees care deeply about this issue. In our 2024 survey, 83% of boards indicated that they systematically monitor and address staff workload, well-being, and work-life balance issues, up from 71% in 2020.

We are in an ongoing dialogue with the department and sector voices working to address these issues. We’ve already seen progress in removing Ofsted single-word judgements. We will keep NGA members informed of emerging developments and ensure that staff workload and well-being remain at the top of the agenda.

Change is never easy - but we approach the year ahead with optimism and determination to help you govern well and make crucial decisions that impact children's and young people's lives.

Emma Balchin

Chief Executive

Emma has over 25 years of experience in education, leadership and school improvement and in leading professional development services. Emma has also governed and chaired across maintained schools, academy trusts and local academy committees.