United Kingdom: Education

The Department for Education has introduced significant changes to the Academy Trust Handbook 2026, effective from 1 October 2026, strengthening expectations around governance, financial sustainability, procurement, inclusion, executive remuneration and transparency. This briefing note provides academy trusts with a comprehensive overview of the main regulatory changes and outlines the practical steps trustees, accounting officers and executive leaders should be taking now to ensure compliance with the new

Parents are increasingly using AI to draft complaints and legal correspondence against schools, but courts are growing concerned about AI-generated legal materials that contain inaccurate information, fabricated case references, and excessive text that obscures real issues. School leaders need to recognize the warning signs of potential legal claims hidden within AI-generated complaints and understand when to seek early legal advice.

Academy Trusts face new challenges as the Department for Education transitions to digital approval processes and local government reorganisation creates uncertainty around property transactions. Understanding these procedural changes and their implications for land dealings has become essential for educational institutions navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Browne Jacobson's response to the government's EOTAS consultation raises fundamental concerns about proposed reforms to education provision for children unable to attend mainstream settings. The firm challenges key aspects including the removal of Tribunal appeal rights, unclear funding mechanisms, and the transfer of commissioning responsibilities to schools without adequate financial support. Will the proposed framework adequately protect vulnerable children, or does it risk creating new gaps in accountab

Browne Jacobson examines the UK government's proposed reforms to Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) arrangements, highlighting critical gaps in capacity planning, funding models, and legal liability frameworks. The firm supports stronger oversight of online providers and clearer roles for health-related absences, but warns that rigid legislative frameworks and inadequate safeguards could harm vulnerable children already experiencing educational disruption.

As schools navigate the immediate pressures of 2025/26, several major legal and policy changes are already taking shape that will fundamentally reshape how schools operate from 2026/27 onwards. From the most significant employment law reforms in a generation to new AI regulations and the introduction of MAT-level Ofsted inspections, early preparation will be essential for school leaders who want to stay ahead of these transformative changes.

Parents seeking to accompany their child studying at an independent UK school face specific visa requirements and restrictions. Understanding the eligibility criteria, financial thresholds, and application process is essential for those considering this immigration route. What are the key requirements and limitations that parents must navigate when applying for this specialized visa category?

The University of Glasgow launches a pioneering MedTech Innovation Masters programme this September, designed to bridge the gap between healthcare, technology, and business. Developed in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and industry leaders, the course addresses practical challenges including regulation, commercialisation, and intellectual property strategy for medical technology innovators.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination represents one of the most demanding assessment regimes for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. What makes this centralised examination system so challenging, and how can candidates best prepare for its rigorous two-stage process that tests both legal knowledge and practical skills?