On 23rd February 2026 the Government published the Schools White Paper which includes plans to halve the attainment gap.
Responding Director of the New Schools Network, Meg Powell-Chandler said:
NSN welcomes the ambition in Every Child Achieving and Thriving to raise standards, close gaps for disadvantaged pupils and children with SEND, and spread evidence-informed practice across the system.
We are delighted that the Government recognises the important part it plays in creating the conditions for innovation. But innovation requires more than policy intent — it relies on real autonomy and professional freedom on the ground. In that context, the Schools Bill risks pulling in the opposite direction by weakening the freedoms that have been one of the system’s strongest drivers of improvement.
We welcome the ambition to identify and support pupils with SEND earlier. However, this must not become a false choice between mainstream inclusion and specialist provision. Many children need access to high-quality specialist settings to succeed.
The majority of councils who were offered alternative funding are choosing to proceed with their special or alternative provision free schools — a clear acknowledgement that expanding strong specialist capacity is essential alongside more inclusive mainstream support.