01 Leadership

Schools White Paper

The long-awaited Schools White Paper Every child achieving and thriving - GOV.UK and consultation on SEND Reform SEND reform: putting children and young people first - GOV.UK were published as schools returned from their half term break.   

As part of the package of announcements, the government announced the launch of the Teacher Training Entitlement (TTE). The TTE has four strategic priorities with the aim that every teacher and leader can access high quality professional development opportunities. 

Strengthen the existing national offer of professional development 

• The new Early career teacher entitlement that started delivery in September 2025 will be embedded and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) will be reformed for school leaders to better reflect the training needs of today. This will include new content on supporting pupils with SEND and people leadership skills as well as reviewing NPQ training to help more teachers from underrepresented groups step into senior roles. The Early Headship Coaching Offer will be expanded and enhanced. The review of NPQs is already underway, followed by a further review of the Early Career Teacher Entitlement in 2027 

Extend the national offer so that there is training at every stage by introducing new professional development programmes for experienced teachers and leaders. New models of CPD programmes that complement the ECTE and NPQs will be developed. 

• New inclusive teaching and inclusive leadership programmes, to help teachers and leaders meet all children’s needs and lead schools that are inclusive by design 
• New training for reception classroom teachers to help ensure every child gets the best possible foundation in their first year of school. 

Ensure development opportunities are clear and accessible to all teachers and leaders. 

• Teaching School Hubs and Universal RISE will ensure that all schools know how to access high quality professional development within their communities. 

Support strong development cultures in schools, by supporting and better promoting research on implementing effective CPD, ensuring NPQs reflect this. 

Across the four strategic priorities, the focus will be on addressing the key priorities highlighted in the White Paper for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.