Volume Versus Value in Education

Wednesday, 2 September 2026 — Rethinking what really counts in learning and assessment

Top Stories

Leadership

Have We Mistaken Volume for Value in Education? ↗

There’s a growing concern that education focuses too much on quantity—more hours, assessments, checkpoints—rather than genuine learning impact. This matters because schools risk burning out staff and students chasing meaningless metrics.

Source: FE News
Policy

University of Queensland Faces $11m Underpayment Bill ↗

UQ has agreed to an enforceable undertaking after underpaying staff by $11 million. This highlights ongoing issues around fair pay in higher education and the importance of compliance and transparency.

Source: Campus Review
AI

USyd Staff Strike Over AI Enterprise Agreement Dispute ↗

University of Sydney staff are striking over stalled talks related to AI use and working conditions. The strike underscores the tensions around AI integration and staff rights in universities.

Source: Campus Review
Leadership

Derby Apprenticeships Provider Rated ‘Strong’ by Ofsted ↗

A Derby-based apprenticeships provider scored ‘Strong’ in every area, placing it among the very best nationally. This shows what quality training looks like in practice and sets a benchmark for others.

Source: FE News
Al's Take
We often fall into the trap of thinking more is better in education. More hours, more testing, more data. But more doesn’t always mean better. The key takeaway? Focus on meaningful learning experiences that actually improve outcomes, not just volume of activity.

Number of the Day

2978
The number of new education job listings added this week, showing strong demand for leadership and specialist roles. (Platform stats)

Jobs Spotlight

Headteacher Fernvale ↗
Fernvale Primary School · Leicester, Leicestershire · £79,460 - £92,065
Assistant Principal (SENDCO) ↗
Oasis Academy Wintringham · Grimsby, Lincolnshire · L11-L15
Course Leader - Digital and IT ↗
Luminate Education Group · Leeds, West Yorkshire · £34,869 to £40,410
Forest School Leader ↗
Raised in Bristol at the Greenway Centre · Bristol · £29,642 per annum

Browse all live education jobs →
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Worth a Read

Have We Mistaken Volume for Value? ↗

by FE News

This article is always worth a read for anyone involved in education leadership. It challenges the common assumption that more assessments and hours automatically lead to better learning.

Coming Up

researchED Cape Town 2026 ↗ — 12 Sep 2026, South Africa
Learning Impact Europe 2026 ↗ — 15-17 Sep 2026, Europe
researchED Cork 2026 ↗ — 19 Sep 2026, Ireland

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← 2026-09-01
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