In the government’s Autumn Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced plans for £50 million of new capital funding to support the expansion of existing grammar schools in each year from 2017-18.  Further proposals for these reforms in English schools have been added to the consultation document Schools that Work for Everyone.

Some Headteachers and teaching unions have reacted to the Autumn Statement with disappointment, believing that it failed to address the severe funding pressures in schools and colleges.

Other education highlights from the Autumn Statement include:

• The adult education budget will be devolved to London from 2019-20.
• The government has published a review of education and underperformance in the north of England. The report looked to understand problems with the quality of education in the north of England and its causes; and identify effective provision in the north. 
• Also published was Sir Nick Weller's independent review of education in northern England to inform the northern powerhouse schools strategy. The report is an in-depth assessment of the issues affecting education in northern England and recommendations to raise educational attainment. 
• The government will be supporting a Royal Society of the Arts pilot to promote cultural education in schools.