Proposals by the Labour Party to add VAT to independent school fees have been criticised by education experts who warn the move will result in thousands of pupils being moved to the state sector, which is already under pressure. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), is quoted, saying: "Labour's tax on aspiration would not just have an impact on the hard-working families who choose independent schools for their children. More children in the state sector would increase competition for the best state schools, which we know unfairly impacts the chances of already disadvantaged students". By Glen Owen and Cameron Charters, The Mail on Sunday.

A comment piece in the Daily Mail also considers the issue, arguing "people should be free to strive, save hard and spend their money how they want".

Julie Robinson was interviewed by Nick Ferrari on LBC today, discussing the impact of the policy and the sacrifices many parents make to send their children to independent schools. To hear the interview please skip to 02:24:08.

The education secretary, Gillian Keegan, has argued that progress can be made regarding pay and other concerns without the need for industrial action. Writing in The Guardian, Ms Keegan urges teachers not to strike, saying: "I look forward to seeing a de-escalation from unions, many of whom are balloting. As a government we have listened and are continuing to listen."

Commenting in The Guardian, Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, says "striking is the last thing teachers want to do, but the Government has left us no choice".

The transport secretary, Mark Harper, has said that inflation-matching pay rises for struggling public sector workers are “unaffordable”, as Britain expects a wave of strikes 'not seen for a generation'. By Pippa Crerar, The Guardian.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has confirmed teachers in Scotland will strike on a further 16 days in a dispute over pay. The consecutive days of action - split across every council in the country - are set to take place in January and February next year. Tes.

Julia Harnden, the head of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), has called on the Government to provide clarity over the energy price guarantee. Some schools could have to pay tens of thousands of pounds more if it ends in April. By Amy Walker and Tom Belger, Schools Week.

According to a survey by the NASUWT union, one in 10 teachers now have a second or even third job as their teaching pay doesn’t cover their monthly outgoings. By Anna Fazackerley, The Observer.

Findings from the 2022 Teacher Wellbeing Index have revealed that over a third of senior leaders are 'actively looking to leave the education sector'. The report, shared exclusively with Schools Week, has also shown that mental health and wellbeing among staff including heads, assistants and deputies has worsened in recent years. By Amy Walker.

In an interview with The Guardian, Oxford University's outgoing vice-chancellor Louise Richardson has said pupils' own effort and ambition are behind the rising number of state school pupils gaining places, rather than the university’s policies. Ms Richardson dismissed claims that Oxbridge is biased against applications from independently educated students, saying more “smart students” are applying from the state sector, leading to greater competition. By Richard Adams.

Michelle Donelan, the digital, culture, media and sport secretary, has said that the Online Safety Bill will include the new crime of 'deliberately encouraging people to physically hurt themselves'. The bill, which is expected to return to parliament next month, is designed to make young people safer on the web. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times.

Independent Schools Magazine features a special report on safeguarding and internet safety. By Judy Thomas, whose daughter Frankie took her own life at the age of 15. In a separate piece, Hywel Stayte, head of digital learning at The Portsmouth Grammar School, shares his school's experience with the Online Safety Mark.

New research from the University of Cambridge has suggested there is a link between children's economic disadvantage and the social difficulties they face. Pupils who come from a poorer background, or at least believe they do, may find it harder to form and maintain close friendships than those who are from more affluent backgrounds, according to the findings. By Kate Parker, Tes.

Tes has published dates, timetables and key information relating to next year's KS1 and KS2 SATs. Schools Week reports that the Key Stage 2 test dates will be moved back a day to accommodate the extra May bank holiday in honour of King Charles' coronation. By Tom Belger.

Reflecting on this year's SATs results, Alex Quigley, national content and engagement manager at the Education Endowment Foundation, considers the impact of the pandemic on writing in particular and offers schools some solutions to help address the issue. Tes.

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