Consultation Hub

DfE asked stakeholders to submit information about the pedagogical underpinning of initial teacher education (ITE) and professional development (PD) programmes for Further Education (FE) teachers. 

A total of 37 responses were received from individuals and organisations spanning a variety of stakeholders, including FE colleges, universities, other learning providers, and representative bodies. Responses cited sources of evidence and gave views on the essential elements of high-quality teacher training.

The responses received – along with other sources of evidence gathered – have informed the work of an Expert Advisory Group tasked with supporting DfE to develop new guidance on curriculum content for FE ITE programmes. If parliament approves the relevant legislation, we expect to publish statutory guidance ahead of the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

The Department for Education published a consultation on our long-term vision for narrowing the digital divide in schools and colleges. The consultation asked for feedback on our long-term ambition for all schools and colleges to meet the following core digital and technology standards by 2030:  

1. Broadband internet  

2. Wireless networks  

3. Network switches  

4. Digital leadership and governance  

5. Filtering and monitoring 

6. Cyber security 

A total of 210 responses were received. Of those who responded to the consultation, 72% of schools and colleges reported that they are already meeting or could meet the broadband internet, wireless networks, network switches and digital leadership and governance standards by 2030.  

Of those who responded to the consultation, 93% of schools and colleges reported that they are already meeting or could meet the cyber security standards by 2030 and 98% reported that they already meet the filtering and monitoring standards fully or to some extent. 

Some respondents identified specific areas of the standards that may be prohibitively expensive to meet.  

Based on the responses to the consultation, we will continue with our long-term ambition for all schools and colleges to meet the six-core digital and technology standards by 2030.  

We will review specific elements of the standards where respondents said the requirements may be difficult to meet. We will consider whether the standards need to be adjusted in these areas to ensure they are achievable and provide value for money. This will be balanced alongside the need to ensure all schools and colleges have reliable and safe technology.  

We will continue to develop our plan technology for your school support service, focusing on the core six standards and additional functionality to support Responsible Bodies in their strategic role.  

This call for evidence asked respondents to submit research that may inform updates to the evidence-base underpinning 3 NPQ frameworks.

The department received 159 individual submission responses. The 159 submission responses included 200+ different insights, which included a range of evidence studies and other sources of information. The department is appreciative and thankful to all individuals and organisations who took the time to formally respond and submit research for consideration. 

Please read the response document included on gov.uk for further information about the evidence that was received and the next steps for its use.

The department is now working closely with EEF and external experts to review the evidence and inform decision making when updating the frameworks. The department is openly engaging in multiple forums to ensure a wide range of views are considered when reviewing and updating the NPQ suite.

If you have any insights to share, or would like further information on potential opportunities for engagement, please contact npq.insights@education.gov.uk.