Government to Unveil Sweeping Schools White Paper to Halve Attainment Gap
London, 22 February 2026 – The British government is prepared to publish a landmark Schools White Paper on Monday, 23 February, outlining a comprehensive “blueprint for opportunity” aimed at radical reform of the English education system. The document, which has seen several key details leaked over the weekend, focuses on closing the achievement gap between the nation’s wealthiest and most disadvantaged pupils, alongside a significant overhaul of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
Targeting the Disadvantage Gap
A central pillar of the forthcoming White Paper is a formal commitment to halve the attainment gap in England’s schools. Ministers intend to achieve this by reforming funding criteria to ensure resources are more effectively targeted toward students from lower-income backgrounds. The government has set an ambitious target to recover 20 million lost school days per year by the 2028/29 academic year, compared to 2023/24 levels, to combat the long-term effects of absenteeism and learning loss.
To support these goals, a new pilot programme will offer retention payments of up to £15,000 to newly-appointed headteachers who agree to work in the areas of greatest need. Additionally, the Department for Education (DfE) is expected to call for all schools to eventually join multi-academy trusts to ensure consistent standards across the country.
SEND Reform and Inclusion
The White Paper follows recent government action to curb “runaway” fees at independent special schools. Leaked plans suggest a complete redesign of the SEND support system, including a review of support requirements for pupils as they transition out of primary education. While some parents and councils have expressed concern over potential funding cuts—with local authorities warning of a looming £3.4bn SEND transport bill—ministers have insisted that “effective support” will not be withdrawn from children who need it.
Key Policy Objectives
The following table outlines the core components of the 2026 Schools White Paper based on official statements and verified reports.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Halve the attainment gap for disadvantaged students. |
| Attendance Target | Recover 20 million lost school days per year by 2028/29. |
| Leadership Incentives | £15,000 retention payments for headteachers in high-need areas. |
| Structural Reform | Move towards all schools being part of multi-academy trusts. |
| SEND Oversight | Strengthened oversight of independent special school fees and inclusion. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the full Schools White Paper be released?
The full document is scheduled for official publication on Monday, 23 February 2026.
What is the “Disadvantage Gap”?
This refers to the disparity in academic performance between students from wealthy backgrounds and those from low-income or disadvantaged households. The government aims to halve this gap by the time children born under the current administration complete their secondary education.
Will funding for SEND students be reduced?
While there are concerns regarding the sustainability of transport and independent school costs, the government has stated that the reforms are intended to improve inclusion and ensure public funding is used more effectively, rather than removing support from those who require it.
How will the new attendance targets be met?
The government plans to introduce new progress measures and incentives to reduce absenteeism, aiming to return millions of “lost” days to the classroom over the next three years.