Education experts have warned the new 'tougher' A-levels will see pass marks in subjects like maths dropped to 20 per cent or lower. By Sian Griffiths and Tom Calver, The Sunday Times. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, and Fiona Boulton, incoming chair of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and head at Guildford High School for Girls.

The Sunday Times' leading article offers its verdict on the new A-levels, stating the report card on the reforms would read "tries hard, poor execution".

The Telegraph reports on comments made by Dr Tony Breslin, a former chief examiner for GCSEs and a chair of examiners for A-levels, that exam reforms 'favour the middle class since negotiability has returned to the system'. By Camilla Turner. The article quotes Shaun Fenton, chair of the HMC.

The Mirror reports on the story of a Ugandan boy, Julius Muyombya, who formed a friendship with a British teenager whilst she was in Kampala on an outreach project with St David’s College. Mr Muyombya subsequently benefited from an expenses-paid sponsorship at the college and has now achieved a first class degree from Bangor University in business and law. By Adam Aspinall and Jack Longstaff, The Mirror.

The head of Truro High School for Girls, Sarah Matthews, has announced her school will not be publicly publishing students' grades this year and has called for a 'mass boycott' of league tables, which 'damage children's mental health'. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. The article also references Peter Green, head at Rugby School.

The Sunday Times includes a book extract from a former independent school head, Clarrisa Farr, who has revealed in 'The Making of Her' how girls can better improve their mental health.

Clarissa Farr is also interviewed by The Sunday Times about her experience teaching at St Paul's Girls' School.

Libby Purves writes in The Times that schools should "make space and time for drama and recitation", so that children are supported to become confident and articulate young adults.

Universities are expecting an "unprecedented scramble" for students in clearing this year, following a new "self-release" option that allows students to decline offers they have accepted and shop around. By Rosemary Bennett and Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

In a report today, The Times states leading universities are saving thousands of degree places in clearing for wealthy international students. By Nicola Woolcock and Ryan Watts.

Russell Group universities are preparing to give students who failed to get good enough A-levels an extra 'foundation' year, to ensure they are adequately prepared to study their course. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Vivienne Porritt, vice-president of the Chartered College for Teaching, details how teachers can go about negotiating a higher salary. Tes.

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