Back to School: Challenges and Change

Friday, 28 August 2026 — From rising costs to AI in classrooms, here’s what’s shaping education now

Top Stories

Policy

Families protest soaring school expenses, even basics like toilet paper ↗

With the new term starting, Italian families are hitting back against steep school costs. From supplies to unexpected fees, the financial burden is squeezing household budgets. This flags a wider issue of affordability in education that schools and policymakers can’t ignore.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
Leadership

Schools face hot classrooms, staff shortages and admin overload ↗

As lessons begin, schools are battling multiple crises: sweltering rooms, unfilled teaching posts and mountains of paperwork. Staff unions warn these pressures risk the quality of education and staff wellbeing. This is a reminder that practical support for schools has to be a priority.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
AI

Microsoft report: schools need more AI training now ↗

The latest from Microsoft shows a clear gap in AI skills among educators. As AI tools become more common in classrooms, teachers need practical, ongoing training to use them effectively. This is a wake-up call for schools to invest in staff development on AI.

Source: Open Data Science
Wellbeing

Almost a third of kids see AI chatbots as friends, VodafoneThree finds ↗

New research reveals many children are forming friendships with AI chatbots. This raises important questions about digital wellbeing and guidance. Schools and parents alike need to help young people navigate these new social landscapes safely.

Source: VodafoneThree
Al's Take
The new school year is kicking off with some tough realities on the ground. Families are feeling the pinch with rising costs, while schools juggle staffing and technology challenges. At the same time, AI is making real inroads in education, but it’s clear it can’t replace good teaching. It’s all about balance and practical support for staff and students.

Number of the Day

5,085
The number of new education jobs listed this week shows there’s still plenty of opportunity despite the challenges schools face. (Al's Edu Intel platform stats)

Jobs Spotlight

Deputy Headteacher ↗
St John's Church of England Primary School · Caterham, Surrey · L8-12
Director of Estates Capital Projects and Commercial Development ↗
Unknown · London SW1W 8JA
Course Leader - Digital and IT ↗
Luminate Education Group · Leeds, West Yorkshire · £34,869 to £40,410 per annum
Resident Deputy Housemistress / Master ↗
Unknown · Brighton

Browse all live education jobs →
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Worth a Read

DfE guidance on AI in schools: a practical checklist ↗

by Structural Learning

This checklist cuts through the noise and helps schools put AI guidelines into practice. Worth a look if you want clear, actionable steps on AI use in education.

Coming Up

MATPN South West 2026 ↗ — September 2026, United Kingdom
Learning Impact Europe 2026 ↗ — 15-17 September 2026, Europe
researchED Cape Town 2026 ↗ — 12 September 2026, South Africa

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