Education and competition briefing — 23 Oct 2026

United Kingdom

England publishes consolidated guidance on serious violence in education

The Department for Education has published a new guidance package for schools, colleges and alternative provision settings in England on preventing and responding to serious violence. It covers safeguarding responsibilities, evidence-informed prevention, immediate action during incidents, support for affected children and proportionate information sharing with partner agencies. The guidance distinguishes legal duties from statutory guidance and non-statutory recommendations. It consolidates existing expectations and practical resources rather than introducing new safeguarding obligations. Official guidance

Northern Ireland issues new primary-school phonics guidance

Northern Ireland’s Department of Education published new guidance on 22 October to help primary schools review and strengthen their phonics provision. The document is intended to support schools in evaluating current practice, identifying strengths and addressing areas requiring further development. Its central focus is securing consistent, high-quality phonics teaching for all pupils as part of a broader approach to literacy improvement. The publication is professional guidance for schools rather than a newly mandated curriculum or assessment change. Official guidance and PDF

Ballymena Academy wins 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge

Year 12 pupils Samantha Dunlop and Katie McNeilly of Ballymena Academy were named overall winners of the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge on 22 October. Their project examined how genomic information and genetic indexes can improve the sustainability and profitability of beef production. The school received the Challenge Cup and a £1,000 prize. Blessed Trinity College finished second, while Gráinne Anderson of St Patrick’s High School, Keady, received the individual achievement award. Finalists combined agricultural research with practical experience rearing Angus-cross cattle. Results report

United States

ORAU opens 2027 Extreme Classroom Makeover applications

ORAU has opened its 2027 Extreme Classroom Makeover competition, with applications due by 31 December 2026. Applicants must teach mathematics or science in grades 3–10 at a public school within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and submit a two-to-three-minute video explaining their classroom’s technology needs. The grand prize provides $25,000 in equipment, with additional runner-up and viewers’ choice awards. ORAU also unveiled the 2026 winner’s upgraded laboratory, featuring robotics equipment, 3D printers, virtual-reality headsets and a smart greenhouse. Official competition information | 2026 classroom reveal

International School Competitions

FIRST previews additional 2027 Robotics Competition rules

FIRST has published the second preview of expected robot and event rule changes for its 2027 Robotics Competition season. Proposed changes include removing relays from approved power-regulating devices, requiring commercial connectors on motor circuits and adding several legal motor controllers, power-distribution devices and servo-powering options. The preview remains a draft intended to help teams make purchasing decisions; the final Game Manual will govern after the BIOCORE challenge launches on 9 January 2027. FIRST Robotics Competition serves team-based participants aged 14–18 or grades 9–12 internationally. Official rule preview