Policy commentary on education reform in England, featuring Fatemeh Hajiali and key themes including SEND, attendance, curriculum, wellbeing and digital learning.

This policy commentary examines emerging education policy priorities in England in 2026, with particular attention to school attendance, SEND reform, teacher recruitment and wellbeing, curriculum and assessment, learner mental health, digital education, artificial intelligence, and support for disadvantaged families. It considers the opportunities presented by recent reforms while highlighting the importance of equitable implementation, adequate funding, family participation, and culturally and linguistically responsive educational practice. The commentary also emphasises the experiences of bilingual, migrant, disabled, and socioeconomically disadvantaged learners.