Schools 'a lifeline to many students' in past year'

School staff have been giving clothing, food and furnishings to families that have been struggling financially in the coronavirus pandemic, teachers say.

Some pupils have gone to school without winter coats, while others have been worried about having enough to eat, a National Education Union poll suggests.

The findings come as the NEU begins its annual conference on Wednesday.

The Department for Education says it has invested £2bn to help pupils in England in the wake of the pandemic.

The NEU surveyed 10,696 members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in March and concluded that schools and colleges had been a "lifeline" to many disadvantaged students during the past year.

07/12/23Ashford school to make students lock their phones in pouches

A school in Kent is planning to make students put their mobile phones in a locked pouch during the day. The John Wallis Academy in Ashford will introduce the measure in the new year. Principal Damian McBeath explained that he hoped the rule would limit disruptions in the school and help with safeguarding. Mr McBeath said he thought the academy would be the first school in Kent to use the pouches.

01/12/23Top Tips for Supply Teachers

Going into new schools can be daunting! We wanted to share some of our favourite top tips for supply teachers so you can be as prepared as possible and enjoy your supply day.

18/10/23Digital exams to be introduced within years - AQA

Pupils in England could sit some of their GCSE exams digitally within the next few years, under exam board proposals.

02/10/23Education secretary Gillian Keegan understood to be considering complete mobile phone ban for schools

Mobile phones could be banned in schools completely under new guidance the government is understood to be considering.

17/08/23A-level results for pupils across Kent to be revealed

Pupils across Kent will receive their A-levels results today – as grading returns to pre-pandemic standards.