Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - an organisational approach that values varied identities and backgrounds, ensures fair access and opportunities, and fosters a culture where everyone feels welcomed and respected. Example: a school implementing inclusive curricula and equitable admissions policies.

Early Childhood - the developmental period from birth to around age eight, focusing on early learning, care, and developmental milestones. Example: nursery or reception class programmes.

Higher Education - post-secondary education provided by universities, colleges and other institutions that award academic degrees or professional qualifications. Example: undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Individualised Education Plan - a personalised plan outlining special education services, goals and accommodations for a learner with identified needs. Example: goals and supports for a pupil with a specific learning difficulty.

Department for Education - the government department responsible for education policy, standards and funding in the relevant jurisdiction. Example: setting national curriculum guidelines.

Multilingual Learner - a student who is learning and using two or more languages and may need language support in the classroom. Example: a child learning both English and Spanish at school.

Professional Development - ongoing training and learning activities that help educators maintain and improve their knowledge and skills. Example: workshops on assessment strategies or training in new technology.

Specific Learning Disability - a group of disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, or coordinate movements. Example: dyslexia affecting reading and spelling.

Special Education - specialised instruction and services designed to meet the needs of learners with disabilities or additional learning needs. Example: adapted curricula and classroom assistants.

Special Educational Needs (and Disabilities) - a term for learners who require additional or different support due to learning difficulties, disabilities or other barriers to learning. Example: a pupil with speech and language needs receiving tailored interventions.

English as a Second Language - instruction for learners whose first language is not English to develop proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English. There are also terms like EFL (English as a Foreign Language or EAL (English as an Additional Language).

National Curriculum - the official set of subjects, standards and attainment targets that guide teaching and learning in a country or region. Example: core subjects and expected attainment levels by key stage.

Educational Technology - tools and platforms used to support teaching and learning, including software, hardware and digital resources. Example: interactive apps, learning management systems and educational games.

Learning Management System - a software platform for delivering, tracking and managing educational courses and training programmes. Example: platforms used to host course materials and assessments.

Virtual Learning Environment - an online space where teaching and learning activities occur, often including resources, communication tools and assessments. Example: a school VLE used for homework and announcements.

Generative Artificial Intelligence - AI systems that create new content such as text, images or code from learned patterns. Example: tools that draft lesson plans or generate educational images.

Apple Distinguished Educator - a recognition programme for educators who use Apple technology creatively to enhance teaching and learning. Example: an educator showcasing innovative iPad lessons.

Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert - a programme recognising educators who effectively integrate Microsoft tools into teaching to improve learning outcomes. Example: a teacher using Teams and OneNote for collaboration.

Open Educational Resources - freely accessible, openly licensed teaching and learning materials that can be used, adapted and shared. Example: openly licensed textbooks and lesson plans.

General Data Protection Regulation - EU legislation that governs the processing and protection of personal data and privacy for individuals within the EU. Example: rules on consent and data handling in schools.

Data Protection Act - national legislation that implements data protection principles, often supplementing or complementing broader regulations such as GDPR. Example: provisions governing how schools store pupil records.

Massive Open Online Course — a scalable online course available to large numbers of learners, usually free or low-cost, featuring video lectures, readings, quizzes and discussion forums to support remote learning. For example, platforms like Coursera or edX offer MOOCs on a wide range of subjects, sometimes with optional paid certificates.

An interdisciplinary educational approach emphasising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); STEAM adds the Arts to foster creativity and design thinking alongside technical skills. For example, a STEAM project might combine coding, maths and sculpture to teach problem‑solving and creative expression.