An article in the Financial Times looks into the Labour Party's plans to integrate private schools into the state sector. The paper suggests the proposal would cost nearly £19 billion and concludes that implementing such a plan "would be costly and drawn-out." By Miranda Green.

Independent Schools Magazine features reactions to the Labour Party's proposals from sector leaders.

Emma Duncan writes in The Times that independent schools should be 'opened up' to improve access at the top. She argues: "If the Government paid the fees of those clever enough to win places, these schools could spread the money they spend on bursaries...thus broadening access further."

Several letters in The Times today respond to Emma Duncan's article. Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, welcomes her plan as a step towards greater social mobility but states it would fail to help pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are unlikely to meet "the stringent admissions procedures of some selective independent schools". Dr Christopher Ray, former chair of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, writes on the difference between the terms "independent" school and "private" school - a view also discussed in a letter by Kevin Corrigan, trustee of the Cumnor Foundation.

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, writes in a letter to The Sunday Times about the cost of an independent education and cites research which indicates "the trend of increases is flattening out". Letter half-way down the page.

John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, discusses how Scotland’s independent schools are driving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education forward and helping to close the skills gap. Tes.

The children's charity Barnardos has revealed children as young as nine, who are less likely to be suspected of crime, are being recruited by county lines gangs. By Charles Hymas, The Telegraph.

Analysis of the subjects chosen by students at GCSE, A-level and degree-level shows an increase in the number of young people studying politics since the 2016 referendum result. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times. The article quotes Oliver Blond, headmaster of Roedean School in Brighton.

The Telegraph provides tips for students on maximising their chances of getting a place at one of America’s best universities. By Sally Peck. The article quotes Rachel Dent, co-chair of the Universities Committee of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and head of The Abbey School.

On the subject of international education, The Telegraph also carries an article listing the independent schools that have set up branches abroad. By Lela London. The article references a number of ISC schools.

A chapel, which sits in the grounds of Lancing College and has been unfinished for more than a century, is due to be completed next year through money raised by alumni and donations. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Khadijah Mellah was invited to take part in a charity race by Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, a riding charity that aims to “transform young lives through horses in south London’s most disadvantaged communities”. The 18-year-old, who is a bursary student at Sydenham High School, is now Britain's "first hijab-wearing jockey". By Fleur Britten, The Sunday Times.

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