This week I highlight confirmation of the pay rise being awarded to teachers for 2025/26, provision of further online Prevent training sessions for governors and confirmation that only schools receiving support through RISE will be eligible to apply for funding to improve connectivity.

Teachers to receive a 4% pay award from September
The DfE has confirmed it has awarded a 4% pay raise for teachers in 2025/26, 3% of which will be funded by the Government, leaving schools to cover the remaining 1% through efficiencies.

Prevent training for governors and trustees
The DfE has released additional dates for their Prevent in education training sessions for governors and trustees. The virtual sessions focus on the implementation of Prevent and have been designed to help those that govern to understand their responsibilities and the importance of the Prevent duty. There are six further dates available, running from July 2025 through to June 2026.

Wi-fi scheme only for ‘stuck’ schools after levelling-up plan dropped
It was confirmed today that only those schools receiving targeted intervention support through RISE will be eligible for grants to boost connectivity through the Connect the Classroom scheme. Previously, all schools located in an Education Investment Area (left-behind parts of the country) had been prioritised funding through the scheme.

Eligible schools will be contacted directly by the DfE and will receive funding if they fall below its “wifi connectivity standards”, which include having “fully functional signal from a wireless network” and “installing security features to stop unauthorised access”.