Schools White Paper 2026: key reforms and implications for the education estate
The Department for Education (DfE) Schools White Paper 2026, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, sets out a reform programme to build a school system in which every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of background or need.
The reforms are structured around three major shifts:
Narrow to broad
Sidelined to included
Withdrawn to engaged
The white paper outlines how these shifts will be delivered and the changes required to support its ambitions. Central to this is improved collaboration, the sharing of best practice, and the integration of public services to enable clearer roles, responsibilities and collective accountability.
Proposed reforms include structural changes to the school system, SEND reform, and a stronger, better supported workforce enabled by innovation and digital integration.
This article provides a summary of the key themes. For a full breakdown of the reforms and their implications for education estates, click here to download the full insight.
Setting every child up to succeed
The white paper sets out an ambition to rebuild and better coordinate public services around children and families, creating a local system in which education, health and community services work together.
This approach aims to ensure children arrive at school ready to learn and receive consistent support throughout their education.
Key areas include:
Integration of education, health, social care and youth services
Expansion of early years support and family hubs
Increased access to childcare and early education
Investment in mental health support
Strengthened youth and community provision
The intention is to move from fragmented provision to more joined-up local support, with schools acting as community anchors.
Narrow to broad: a wider education experience
The white paper sets out a shift from a narrow academic focus to a broader, more inclusive and opportunity-rich education.
This includes:
A knowledge-rich and inclusive curriculum
Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy
A national enrichment entitlement covering arts, sport and outdoor learning
Clearer post-16 pathways including vocational routes
Greater exposure to the world of work
The aim is to ensure all pupils benefit from a well-rounded education and clear pathways into further study, training or employment.
From sidelined to included: SEND and inclusion reform
The white paper sets out significant reform to create a more inclusive education system, particularly for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged groups.
The ambition is to establish a system spanning early years through to age 25, providing earlier and more consistent support.
Key proposals include:
Greater investment in inclusive mainstream education
Introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
A national “Experts at Hand” service
Specialist Provision Packages for complex needs
Continued use of EHCPs alongside new frameworks
These reforms are intended to move from a system perceived as rigid to one that is more flexible and embedded within mainstream education.
From withdrawn to engaged: improving attendance and engagement
The white paper identifies ongoing challenges in attendance, behaviour and pupil engagement.
Reforms aim to:
Improve attendance levels
Strengthen behaviour expectations
Introduce RISE hubs to support improvement
Establish a Pupil Engagement Framework
Strengthen home–school relationships
The underlying principle is that pupils achieve more when they feel safe, supported and connected.
Workforce and investment
Successful delivery of the reforms depends on a well-supported workforce.
Key measures include:
Recruitment of additional teachers
Expanded professional development and SEND training
Leadership support and retention measures
Reduced bureaucracy
Significant investment in school buildings, including £20 billion for rebuilding
The aim is to ensure staff are supported within safe, modern and fit-for-purpose environments.
Collaboration and system reform
The white paper proposes a structural shift towards all schools being part of high-quality trusts.
This is intended to:
Reduce fragmentation
Improve collaboration
Strengthen accountability
Support system-wide improvement
Trusts will act as civic institutions, working alongside local authorities and partners to improve outcomes for all children.
Implications for the education estate
Education estates will play a fundamental role in delivering the objectives set out in the white paper.
Key considerations include:
High-quality environments
Estates must support pupil attainment, wellbeing and staff retention through safe, suitable and sustainable buildings.
Flexible and community-focused spaces
Schools are expected to function as community hubs, requiring adaptable, multi-use environments.
SEND and specialist provision
Increased inclusion will require accessible and adaptable environments, alongside space for specialist support and intervention.
Early years and family provision
Expansion of nurseries and family hubs will place additional demand on estate capacity.
Curriculum and enrichment spaces
Broader education delivery will increase the need for specialist facilities including arts, sports and technical learning environments.
Strategic planning and collaboration
The move towards trust-based systems will influence estate governance, funding and long-term planning.
Conclusion
The Schools White Paper 2026 sets out a long-term vision for a more inclusive, collaborative and high-performing education system.
Its success will depend not only on policy reform but on the ability of education estates to support these changes through well-planned, flexible and sustainable environments.
For further information, click here to download our recent insight report offering a high-level understanding of its overarching approach and implications for the education estates.
If you’d like to discuss any of the implications for your estate or how we can support you through the impending shifts, get in touch with the S2e team on 0116 5070130 or emailing enquire@s2e.org.uk.
