Be connected: Schools and academy trusts, June 2026

25 June 2026

Welcome to the summer edition of Be connected for schools and academy trusts, with the latest legal updates, sector insights and expert guidance from our team of education lawyers and HR consultants.

This edition features our comprehensive coverage of the landmark Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 alongside a busy term's worth of updates on SEND reform, exclusions, admissions, safeguarding and much more.

New policy and sector developments.
Legal and regulatory updates.
Support and guidance.
Training and events.
Leadership insights.
And more.

New policy and sector developments

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

The landmark legislation has now received Royal Assent. We share our legal views on the very latest implications that the Act has for schools - covering each key area in detail.

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is now law. From academies' freedoms to teacher misconduct, breakfast clubs to admissions, our legal experts have analysed every chapter of the Act that matters to schools and trusts. Start with our hub and explore the detail in each topic article below:

Under-16 social media ban: What it means for schools

The government has confirmed it will introduce a legal ban on social media use for under-16s. Our education lawyers consider how such a ban would work in practice, what the implications are for schools' own policies, and how Ofsted may approach compliance.

Schools as guardians of the digital playground: Is AI the missing piece?

How should schools approach their role in children's digital lives? Our article explores the overlap between AI tools, online safety obligations and safeguarding duties - and asks whether AI could become part of the solution, not just the problem.

New blueprint for national PPP framework

Browne Jacobson and the CBI have published Pipeline to Progress, a landmark report calling for wholesale reform of the UK's public-private partnership framework. It contains over 20 recommendations, aimed at mobilising private investment in schools, hospitals and transport.

Education for All Bill promises generational SEND reform

Announced in the King’s Speech, the Education for All Bill aims to raise school standards and overhaul the SEND system through early intervention and mainstream inclusion. School leaders anticipating increased workloads, with 68% believing the funding will be insufficient.

The Milburn report: What it means for school employers

The Milburn Report warns that over-complicated recruitment is shutting young people out of work. Schools - as employers and providers of work experience - can act now. Read our practical guidance on simplifying hiring, improving candidate communication and creating accessible pathways into employment.

Gender pay gap in school trusts: Reading the data, leading the change

With gender pay gap reporting now a familiar fixture for larger trusts, we explore what the data tells us about where gaps persist in the education workforce, why they arise, and - crucially - what trust leaders can actually do about it.

AI complaints and staff departures spike sharply

Our latest School Leaders Survey reveals a sharp rise in AI-generated parental complaints and a concerning increase in staff departures. Leaders representing well over 1,000 schools shared their views, giving an authoritative picture of the pressures facing the sector this term.

Read the full report

Legal and regulatory updates

SEND reform: Putting children and young people first

The government's SEND reform package represents a fundamental overhaul of special educational needs provision. We've published a comprehensive analysis hub with dedicated articles on each strand of the reform - essential reading for school leaders and SENDCOs alike.

Explore the hub

New DfE exclusions guidance: What it means for your school

Updated statutory exclusions guidance is now in effect. Our specialists walk through the most important changes - including revised expectations around evidence-gathering, the role of governing boards and the handling of pupils with EHCPs - and set out the practical steps schools should take.

Data protection complaints: What schools need to know

Individuals now have a new statutory right to complain directly to schools and trusts about how their personal data is handled. Our latest article explains the three core obligations under Section 164A of the DPA 2018 and shares practical tips to help you prepare.

DfE clarifies Fair Access Protocol compliance

The DfE has issued new guidance clarifying expectations around the Fair Access Protocol, following concerns about inconsistent application across local authorities. We highlight the key points schools and local authorities need to act on, including placement timescales and monitoring obligations.

Employment Rights Act 2025: Key reforms on the horizon

The ERA 2025 introduces significant changes affecting schools and trusts - from reforms to zero and low hours contracts and a reduced qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims, to new restrictions on the use of NDAs. Consultations are open now, with key reforms taking effect from 2027. Visit our website to keep up-to-date with the latest developments.

Read our latest articles

Support and guidance

How to use school attendance data to reduce pupil absence

New government data reveals birthday absences, broken weeks and Friday dips are costing schools thousands of lost learning days. With a 94% attendance target on the horizon, schools need to act now. Read our latest article for practical steps to strengthen your attendance strategy.

Staff records: Are your retention policies fit for purpose?

Holding on to staff records for too long - or not long enough - creates real legal risk. Our practical guide covers what records schools must keep, for how long, what the DBS and safeguarding frameworks require, and how to manage secure disposal.

When courts meet classrooms: Family Court orders explained

Receiving a Family Court order can leave school staff uncertain about what they're obliged to do, what they should share and with whom. Our practical guide demystifies the process, sets out schools' legal duties and explains how to respond confidently when orders arrive.

Are your policies ready for the new academic year?

Schools are facing a wave of legislative and regulatory changes - as this edition makes clear - and it’s a lot to handle. From KCSiE 2026 and new exclusions guidance to the Employment Rights Act, we know you have your hands full.

We can help lighten that load. Our Policies Pack gives you over 40 up-to-date, ready-to-use templates, so you can start the new academic year compliant and confident.

Bookings now open for Autumn 2026-27 training cohorts

We’ve opened-up additional cohorts for some of our most popular CPD programmes, with limited places now available to book in the Autumn term. Find out more and register for your place.

DPO Advanced Course

Starts Thursday 8 October 2026, online

A five-month programme for experienced DPOs, covering AI and data protection, cyber security, Subject Access Requests, and GDPR governance.

Find out more

HR Pathways Foundation Pathway

Starts Tuesday 3 November 2026, online

A four-month programme for those new to HR in the education sector, covering key topics such as safeguarding, the employee lifecycle, staff terms and conditions, and absence management.

Find out more

HR Pathways Intermediate Pathway

Starts Thursday 5 November 2026, online

A four-month programme for HR professionals with some education sector experience, covering more complex topics such as performance management, disciplinary and grievance processes, restructuring, and TUPE.

Find out more

HR Pathways Visionary Pathway

Starts Wednesday 4 November 2026, online

A four-month strategic programme for senior education leaders, exploring culture-setting, HR strategy, workforce diversity, and union collaboration.

Find out more

SEND CPD Course for School Leaders

Starts Wednesday 23 September 2026, online

A six-month programme for SENCOs, trust SEND leads, and headteachers, covering the SEND legal framework, EHCPs, equality law, tribunals, and parental engagement.

Find out more

Trust Directors of Safeguarding CPD Course

Starts Monday 5 October 2026, online

A programme for academy trust Directors of Safeguarding, covering safeguarding governance, quality assurance, strategy, and supervision.

Find out more

School Complaints Management CPD

Starts Tuesday 10 November 2026, online

A five-month programme for school and trust leaders, covering the legal framework for complaints, de-escalation, investigation, panel hearings, and policy.

Find out more

New DfE exclusions guidance: Live webinar

Thursday 2 July, 10am - 11am

Our exclusions specialists will walk through the newly updated DfE guidance - examining what it means for governors, headteachers and HR teams, and answering your questions live. This is a must-attend session as you plan for the new academic year.

HR Pathways Academy CPD showcase

Thursday 9 July, 10am - 11am

Find out how our HR Pathways CPD programmes - Foundation, Intermediate and Visionary - can support your school or trust's HR team. Whether you're building core knowledge or developing strategic capability, we have a pathway designed for you.

On-demand webinars sharing practical advice and guidance

Missed any of this term’s webinars? They're now available on-demand. Register using the links below and share with any colleagues who'd benefit:

EdCon2026: On-demand client access available now

Our virtual education conference EdCon2026 featured six sessions covering restructures, safeguarding, KCSiE 2026, complaints and AI, academy mergers, governance and executive pay, and SEND reform. On-demand access is available exclusively to clients.

Find out more

Leadership insights

What disaster recovery teaches us about education leadership

Professor Lucy Easthope - one of the UK's foremost experts on disaster recovery - draws powerful parallels between crisis management and school leadership. This piece distils practical lessons on preparation, resilience and leading through the unexpected. Recommended for any leader carrying more than they signed up for.

Pause to go faster: Leading when you can't fix it

In this blog we interview a vice-chancellor who reflects candidly on the moments when the instinct to act fast can make things worse - and shares what years of navigating complex institutional challenges have taught them about the value of deliberate pause.

#EdInfluence podcast: In conversation with inspiring leaders

Series 5 of our #EdInfluence podcast is now live, featuring in-depth conversations with some of education's most thoughtful and experienced leaders. Listen and subscribe via your preferred podcast channel to hear fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.

Listen now

You may also be interested in…

Browne Jacobson recognised for deal-making legal advice in education

Despite stiff competition from nine other shortlisted law firms, we were awarded the EducationInvestor award for 'Legal Advisor of the Year to Deal Making' at this year’s awards ceremony. This was our first time winning an award in this category, having previously won in the 'Legal Advisor to Education Institutions' category on seven occasions, so it marks another significant milestone in the growth of our education practice.

The Lawyer Awards recognises Browne Jacobson for tackling the SEND crisis

We are proud that Philip Wood, one of our leading SEND specialists, has been honoured at The Lawyer Awards for his work on tackling the SEND crisis. The recognition reflects our team's ongoing commitment to practical, impactful work for pupils, families, schools and trusts.