Estimates day: The spending of the Department for Education
On Tuesday 24 June 2025, the House of Commons will consider estimates of spending of the Department for Education as part of the Estimates Day debate.

This briefing paper explains the 2016 changes to school performance data, or school 'league tables', in England. It also provides pointers on how to find and interpret school performance data for particular schools, local authorities and parliamentary constituencies.
Changes to school accountability and 'league tables' in England in 2016 (283 KB , PDF)
This briefing paper aims to provide a brief overview of how the Government measures schools performance in England.
It looks at:
It also provides guidance on how to find and interpret local school performance data.
The Department for Education (DfE) collects a wide range of performance and pupil data from schools, local authorities and, at key stages 4 and 5, examination boards, in England. It publishes some of this information in school performance tables, or league tables as they are commonly referred to.
In 2016 what is reported at both primary and secondary levels is changing in fundamental ways.
These reforms are taking place alongside parallel reforms to the school curriculum, exams and assessments. These are covered in two linked House of Commons Library briefing papers:
The second of these notes looks at the history of the Government’s primary assessment changes in context. It also provides information on sector reaction to the primary curriculum and assessment changes.
[1] “Ofsted ratings not key to how parents pick schools, finds survey” in the Times Educational Supplement, 27 May 2016.
Changes to school accountability and 'league tables' in England in 2016 (283 KB , PDF)
On Tuesday 24 June 2025, the House of Commons will consider estimates of spending of the Department for Education as part of the Estimates Day debate.
A debate on water safety education is scheduled to take place in the House of Commons Chamber on Thursday 19 June 2025. The subject for the debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee, and the debate will be led by Darren Paffey MP.
The main recent policy developments regarding school meals in England, including the revised school food standards and provision of free school meals.