Bridging the Digital Divide: AI and Inequality in Schools
Artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce workload, improve accessibility and support teaching and learning, but a new digital divide is emerging between schools that have the skills and strategy to use AI effectively and those that do not. This article explores how school leaders can adopt AI responsibly, support staff confidence and ensure technology strengthens educational outcomes without creating new inequalities.
Stephanie-Kate Fallon
The New National Curriculum 2027: What Primary Schools Need to Start Planning Now
Although the revised national curriculum is not expected to be published until 2027, primary schools can begin preparing now by reviewing curriculum coherence, strengthening oracy provision, supporting inclusion and ensuring strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. Current recommendations suggest evolution rather than wholesale change, giving schools time to prepare thoughtfully rather than reactively.
David Reynolds
School budget pressures in 2026: what school leaders need to know
School budgets in 2026 are facing pressure from rising staffing costs, increasing SEND demand, falling pupil numbers in some areas and ongoing operational expenses. This article explores how school leaders and MAT finance teams can respond strategically by improving procurement, protecting educational priorities, reducing inefficiencies and making evidence-based decisions that maximise value without compromising outcomes for pupils.
Paul Clarke
SEND reform 2026: implications for school resource planning
SEND reform is expected to place greater emphasis on inclusion, early intervention and consistent support across mainstream schools. This article explores how school leaders, SENCOs and SBMs can prepare by reviewing resources, learning environments, staffing and whole-school provision to ensure every pupil can access learning, participate fully and thrive.
Emma Davies
Oracy as a curriculum priority: what it means for school resource planning
Oracy is becoming a growing curriculum priority as schools recognise the role spoken language plays in learning, confidence and academic success. This article explores how school leaders can prepare for future oracy expectations by creating communication-rich classrooms, supporting teacher development and ensuring resources, environments and curriculum planning work together to develop pupils' speaking and listening skills.
Jack Clarke
Falling pupil numbers: financial pressure into advantage
Falling pupil numbers are creating financial pressures for many schools, but they can also present opportunities to strengthen provision and improve educational outcomes. This article explores how school leaders can respond strategically through smarter resource planning, efficient procurement, clear communication and a renewed focus on delivering high-quality learning experiences despite changing demographics.
Chris Leonard
Recycling in your school Practical Ways to Create a More Sustainable Future
Recycling is one of the simplest ways schools can reduce waste, lower their environmental impact and build sustainability into everyday school life. This guide explores practical ways to improve recycling, reduce single-use plastics, make procurement more sustainable and engage pupils and staff in creating a greener, more environmentally responsible school community.
Chris Leonard
Eco classroom ideas: creating a sustainable school environment
Creating a sustainable classroom does not require expensive equipment or major environmental projects. By reducing waste, improving resource management, making thoughtful purchasing decisions and embedding sustainability into everyday routines, schools can create eco-friendly learning environments that support both environmental goals and budget efficiency. This guide shares practical ideas to help primary schools build a culture of sustainability that lasts.
Chris Leonard
Sustainability in primary schools: the DfE strategy explained
Sustainability in primary schools is now part of a wider national education priority. The Department for Education's Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, first published in April 2022, sets out how schools and education settings in England can prepare children for a changing world, reduce environmental impact, become more resilient to climate change and improve the natural environment around them.
Chris Leonard
Reading records for primary schools: what to buy and how to use them
Reading records remain one of the simplest and most effective tools for supporting reading development in primary schools. Used consistently, they help teachers track progress, encourage home-school communication and build positive reading habits. For school business managers, they are also a relatively low-cost resource that can support whole-school reading strategies when chosen carefully and used well.
Rachel Pangburn
Teacher wellbeing in 2026: practical workload resources for school leaders
Teacher wellbeing in 2026 is no longer a “nice to have” staff benefit. Across the schools, trusts and education settings that Findel supports, leaders are increasingly recognising that staff wellbeing, retention and workload are now strategic priorities rather than separate conversations. With Education Support’s Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025 reporting that 76% of education staff experience stress, the focus for school leaders is shifting from wellbeing initiatives alone towards practical changes that make everyday school life more manageable.
Rachel Pangburn
Ways to Tackle Mental Health in School: Building a Whole-School Approach to Wellbeing
Supporting mental health in schools requires more than awareness days or standalone initiatives. The most effective schools take a whole-school approach by embedding wellbeing into relationships, leadership, learning environments and everyday school life. This guide explores practical ways to support pupil and staff wellbeing through positive school cultures, emotional literacy, physical activity, inclusive environments and early intervention strategies.
Natalie McMunn