Claudine Bowyer-Crane, Sara Bonetti and Louise Tracey, looking at the impact of the COVID pandemic on children’s wellbeing and development during Reception, write for Tes suggesting that the pandemic may have a continued negative impact on early years unless more is done to support recovery.

Researchers from the University of Bristol have suggested that the most "highly-rated" teachers should be assigned to lower-achieving students to raise GCSE grades. Simon Burgess, the lead author of the report, said: "Whether or not you have an effective teacher is by far the most important factor influencing students' GCSEs, outside of your family background." Tes.

In an interview with iNews, Simon Henderson, the headmaster of Eton College, said he wants to help level up the education system by sending more pupils from disadvantaged areas and the north of England to Oxbridge, as he outlined more of the school’s plans to open three new co-educational state sixth forms. By Will Hazell.

Katharine Birbalsingh, chair of the Social Mobility Commission and head of Michaela Community School, has urged teachers to avoid scrapping historical novels in the name of a “decolonised” curriculum. By Ewan Somerville, The Telegraph.

William Yates, an English teacher at a secondary school in west London, writes in The Independent reviewing ITV’s documentary 'Britain’s Strictest Headmistress', featuring Katharine Birbalsingh. Mr Yates states that the documentary ‘didn’t do anything to reassure me that Ms Birbalsingh is interested in helping other teachers to thrive alongside her’.

Schools Week takes a closer look at Ofsted's English subject research review, which highlights the key principles of teaching a “high-quality” English curriculum. By James Carr.

Lord Baker, who was the education secretary between 1986 and 1989, has warned that the Government’s new Schools Bill is a 'grab for power' and will give the Department for Education "complete control over the education system". By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Jeremy Miles, Wales' education minister, has told every school in Wales it must tackle bullying and racism head on, after a pupil lost a finger reportedly fleeing bullies. BBC News.

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