Tackling Teacher Supply and AI in Schools

Saturday, 5 September 2026 — What’s shaping education this weekend

Top Stories

Policy

Teacher supply crisis deepens with 190,000 supply roles open ↗

The latest figures reveal almost 190,000 supply teaching posts and 35,000 support staff vacancies. Union leaders are pushing for a bold recruitment plan that breaks free from current budget constraints. This is a live issue for school leaders juggling staffing gaps as term starts.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
AI

Microsoft report warns schools need more AI training ↗

A new report from Microsoft highlights that while AI tools are increasingly used in education, most schools lack sufficient staff training. The gap risks limiting AI’s impact and raising safeguarding concerns. Practical AI training must be a priority for schools now.

Source: Open Data Science
Leadership

Schools face new heatwave challenges as September temperatures rise ↗

Rising temperatures in early autumn mean schools must rethink their approach to managing heat. Guidance and checklists are out to help school leaders prepare buildings and routines to keep pupils safe and comfortable. This is becoming a regular issue, not just a summer one.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
Policy

Postcode lottery: Degree apprenticeships cluster in just 10 areas ↗

Nearly a third of all degree apprenticeships are concentrated in just 10 postcode areas, raising questions about equal access. This postcode effect highlights ongoing regional inequalities in skills and training opportunities for young people.

Source: FE News
Al's Take
Teacher shortages remain a huge challenge, with nearly 190,000 supply roles unfilled and calls for urgent recruitment plans. Meanwhile, AI’s role in schools is growing fast but training lags behind. Both issues show the importance of practical support on the ground, not just policy headlines.

Number of the Day

190,000
The number of teaching supply posts currently unfilled in schools, highlighting the scale of the staffing crisis on day one of term. (Orizzonte Scuola)

Jobs Spotlight

Head of Faculty - Construction, Engineering and Motor Vehicle ↗
Exeter and North Devon College · Barnstaple, Devon · £57,646 - £63,860
Deputy SENDCo Communication & Interaction (part time) ↗
Trinity Academy · Bristol · TBC
Deputy Headteacher ↗
Rhyl High School · Rhyl, Denbighshire · L19-L23
Assistant Headteacher ↗
Cardiff West Community High · Ely, Cardiff · Leadership Scale 13-17 (£72,262 to £78,500)

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Worth a Read

Young people, learning, and generative AI: A rapid literature review ↗

by Dr Matthew Hill

This review cuts through the hype about AI in education and offers clear insights on what it means for teaching and learning with young people. Always worth a read if you want to get your head around the practical implications of AI in schools.

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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