Association of School and College Leaders

23/09/2026

*IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM ASCL CYMRU*

ASCL Cymru members: we have issued a special bulletin today outlining an important moment in our industrial dispute. Claire Armitstead, ASCL Cymru Director, provides more information in this video briefing but please look out for our email.

23/09/2026

We're proud to be partnering with The Schools & Academies Show, the UK's leading event for education leaders.

Bringing together the insights, solutions and connections that school and trust leaders need, the show provides practical support to help tackle the biggest challenges facing education today.
Attendees can access expert guidance, hear from sector leaders, and discover innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for pupils and staff.

The show returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 18 and 19 November - registration is now live – secure your free place today: https://hubs.la/Q04kGqtB0

20/09/2026

*EDUCATION, ACTUALLY - NEW EPISODE*

In the latest episode, ASCL General Secretary Pepe DiIasio and education expert Laura McInerney discuss the recent PISA results, what devolving powers to elected mayors might look like, and 'honey gate'.

Watch, download or listen to the podcast at www.ascl.org.uk/EducationActually

19/09/2026

Members have recently raised queries with us on several areas around pensions and so to mark Pensions Awareness Week, Melanie Moffatt, ASCL's pensions specialist, has recorded a Policy Snapshot podcast with updates on the transition of the Teachers' Pension Scheme to TCS, and changes to the employer contribution rate.

You can see her video here along with all our policy snapshots: www.ascl.org.uk/PolicySnapshots

Senior leaders around the country across all phases and covering a wide variety of topics in conversation with ASCL. Listen to our range of podcasts here.

18/09/2026

"An excellent level of support and guidance was provided throughout a very difficult period. The support provided was a bright light at the end of the tunnel and a real reminder that there are genuinely kind and supportive people within the educational landscape."

A reminder our special September new member offer ends on 20 September - as an ASCL member you'll be joining over 25,000 leaders of primary, secondary and post-16 education from across the UK.

We are here to support and represent you.

Find out more and join online at www.ascl.org.uk/join

Any questions? Visit www.ascl.org.uk/FAQs

17/09/2026

*DISCOUNT FOR ASCL MEMBERS*

New academic year, new SEND priorities. Join the SEND Leadership Summit on 9 October for expert insight, practical workshops and peer discussion on reform, inclusion and leadership.

ASCL members can access an exclusive discounted rate. Secure your place today: https://www.ascl.org.uk/sendsummit

16/09/2026

The latest edition of Education Matters includes our submission to HM Treasury ahead of the Autumn Budget, our comment on the recent PISA results, our early bird offer for ASCL Annual Conference 2027, along with details of our special September joining offer for non-members.

Education Matters is for non-members who want to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting the sector: www.ascl.org.uk/educationmatters

Want to join ASCL? Visit www.ascl.org.uk/join for more information.

14/09/2026

*Programme highlight: ASCL Data Leader and Accountability Conference*

ASCL specialist Andy Jordan will be speaking at this year's Data Leader and Accountability Conferences, providing delegates with an update on inspection and accountability. Listen to his short video on what he'll be covering, or visit our website to see the full programme and book online:

24 September, London
www.ascl.org.uk/data-london

29 September, Leeds
www.ascl.org.uk/data-leeds

13/09/2026

ASCL members: why not recommend a colleague to join ASCL?

Share the benefits of ASCL membership with senior leadership colleagues in your school, trust, college or local network and help them invest in their professional future with ASCL.

Full terms and conditions at www.ascl.org.uk/recommend

Not already a member? Have a look at the many benefits of ASCL membership at www.ascl.org.uk/ASCLMembership

We've a great offer for new members who join in September - find out more at www.ascl.org.uk/join

We're here to help.

12/09/2026

*MESSAGE FROM ASCL CYMRU ON INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE*

"ASCL Cymru received an email from the Welsh Government inviting us to enter substantive discussions regarding our industrial dispute. Our Executive Committee also met on Tuesday and agreed that we should attend these talks. However, we will do so with a tightly focused agenda and a clear timescale centred on the priorities of our members, particularly the chronic underfunding of additional learning needs (ALN) provision in schools.

Our hope is that these discussions will identify a meaningful solution and secure the funding that schools so desperately need. However, our Executive Committee has also agreed that if the meeting fails to deliver a system-wide intervention that meets the needs of our ALN learners through fair and appropriate funding, we will move immediately to an indicative ballot.

The Executive's view was that refusing to attend these discussions, or moving directly to a ballot, could risk derailing negotiations and delaying urgently needed funding from reaching schools. I have therefore been absolutely clear with the Welsh Government about our expectations. If they are not met, we will escalate matters and proceed to an indicative ballot the following day."