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Daily News Summary
15 September 2021

Coronavirus: School bubbles could be introduced if infections surge this autumn
Ministers consider overhaul of exam results calendar
"When everything has changed, the stability of our public examination system is an asset"
'Independent schools are constantly looking for ways to widen access'
"A pernicious myth persists that independent schools are solely for the rich and entitled"
"More conversations are needed about how educational inequalities inhibit social mobility"
Warning over "tsunami" of school anxiety cases
Education secretary urged to implement a national education programme for black pupils

Coronavirus: School bubbles could be introduced if infections surge this autumn

 

According to iNews, classroom bubbles and mask-wearing among pupils could be brought back if COVID cases surge this autumn and winter. By Will Hazell.

Schools Week reports the Government plans to scrap its powers to force temporary school closures. By Freddie Whittaker.

Tes explores what the Government's COVID winter plan means for schools. By Amy Gibbons.

Russell Viner, a paediatrician and professor at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, writes in The Guardian outlining the benefits of vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds.

Anthony Harnden, deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, has acknowledged that families face "uncertainty, hesitation and debate" due to inconsistencies in advice over whether teenagers should be vaccinated against coronavirus. By Steven Swinford and Chris Smyth, The Times.

The Times reports some parents' groups are concerned that peer pressure will affect children's vaccine decisions, while the Association of School and College Leaders has warned schools must not be caught in the 'crossfire' of the debate. By Oliver Wright, Arthi Nachiappan and Lucy Bannerman.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the vaccination of 12 to 15-year-olds in Scotland will begin on Monday. By Emma Seith, Tes.

The Times reports some parents of children at independent schools in Scotland have criticised COVID restrictions which prevent them from attending pupil sporting events. By Marc Horne. The article quotes Melvyn Roffe, the principal of George Watson's College, and the Scottish Council of Independent Schools.

 

Ministers consider overhaul of exam results calendar

 

According to iNews, the Government is considering bringing forward A-level results day, publishing GCSE grades in the same week, and synchronising results days with Scotland to pave the way for a shake-up of university admissions. By Will Hazell.

 
iNews

"When everything has changed, the stability of our public examination system is an asset"

 

Croydon High School GDST headmistress Emma Pattison and deputy head academic Dr Philip Purvis write in Independent Schools Magazine challenging proposals to scrap GCSEs, arguing "the most radical action is to conserve and improve" the exams. The article can be found on page 11.

 
Independent Schools Magazine

'Independent schools are constantly looking for ways to widen access'

 

Lord Lexden, a Conservative peer and president of the Independent Schools Association, writes in Independent Schools Magazine highlighting the work independent schools are doing to widen access to educational opportunities and how the Government can support these efforts. The article can be found on page four.

 
Independent Schools Magazine

"A pernicious myth persists that independent schools are solely for the rich and entitled"

 

Dr Helen Wright writes in Independent School Management Plus challenging some of the misconceptions surrounding independent schools, particularly in relation to Oxbridge admissions.

 
Independent School Management Plus

"More conversations are needed about how educational inequalities inhibit social mobility"

 

Sophie Pender, founder of the 93% Club, writes in The Times arguing the Government's "levelling up" agenda should focus on lifting up state schools.

 
The Times

Warning over "tsunami" of school anxiety cases

 

Parent groups are warning of a surge in school anxiety cases among children, leading to persistent absence from education. BBC News.

 
BBC

Education secretary urged to implement a national education programme for black pupils

 

Diane Abbott and Lord Simon Woolley, chair and vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Race Equality in Education, have written a letter to Gavin Williamson asking him to consider proposals to introduce "a programme that provides further support to children and students of colour". By Nadine White, The Independent.

 
The Independent

 

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