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Daily News Summary
4 December 2019

Coverage from the latest PISA results
Small independent schools are adopting new business plans amid 'increased financial pressures'
Major parties outline plans to tackle the inactivity crisis among young people
'What the main parties have promised this election'

Coverage from the latest PISA results

 

The Telegraph reports schoolchildren in England have scored higher than their peers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the latest PISA rankings. By Camilla Turner.

The Times' leading article reflects on the findings from the latest PISA survey, arguing a return to the "failed policies of the past" threatens to undermine the UK's progress in maths and reading.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson writes in The Telegraph arguing the latest PISA results reflect "the hard work of the education sector and Conservative governments over the last nine years". He criticises Labour's education proposals, saying "now is not the time to row back on the progress we have made".

Martin Stephen, a former independent school high master, also comments on the findings. He argues that while UK schools "should take pride" in their improved maths results, issues remain in the way the subject is taught in this country. The Telegraph.

Joshua Fullard, a senior researcher at the Education Policy Institute, writes in Schools Week arguing the latest PISA results show some "worrying trends". He highlights findings which suggest "young people from more advantaged backgrounds in the UK dramatically outperform their socio-economically disadvantaged peers".

 

Small independent schools are adopting new business plans amid 'increased financial pressures'

 

Tes reports some small independent schools are merging or joining larger groups of schools in order to "achieve economies of scale", amid a rise in pension costs and teacher salaries. By Dave Speck. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council.

 
Tes

Major parties outline plans to tackle the inactivity crisis among young people

 

The main political parties have outlined their plans to address the "public health emergency" of childhood inactivity, after sports leaders called on the next Government to invest in school sports. By Jeremy Wilson, The Telegraph.

 
The Telegraph

'What the main parties have promised this election'

 

The Telegraph features an article outlining the main parties' key policy proposals ahead of the general election. By Tony Diver and Daniel Capurro.

 
The Telegraph

 

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