Classical music is becoming the preserve of the independently educated as comprehensive school pupils do not routinely learn instruments, according to the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO)'s managing director, Dame Kathryn McDowell. An article in The Times explains that, while there is no reliable data to compare the proportion of children who learn instruments in different parts of the education sector, figures from exams regulator Ofqual suggest that independent schools take such study far more seriously, with two thirds of A-level music entries from independent schools in England awarded at least an A grade last summer, compared with just a third for those from state schools. By Nicola Woolcock.

A “horrible disparity” is opening between state and independent schools in the provision of creative education, the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has said. Talking at the launch of the Young V&A museum, Tristram Hunt said creative education is being downgraded or excluded in many state schools, driving a 60 per cent fall in the numbers of children taking art and design subjects at GCSE. By Harriet Sherwood, The Guardian.

According to a new report commissioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board, elitism, sexism and racism are widespread within the sport. The findings suggest there are significant structural barriers for working-class people, especially those in inner cities, "driven partly by the lack of access to cricket in state schools". By Elizabeth Ammon and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat, The Times.

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, IAPS chief executive Chris King warns that all independent schools are at risk under Labour's tax plans, not just the smallest. Mr King explains that schools need to be savvy to the threats and that there will "undoubtedly be casualties in the form of school closures" but that "there will still be independent schools long into the future".

Rishi Sunak has been warned that a 6.5 per cent pay rise for teachers is the “bare minimum” that is needed. Union leaders have also told the prime minister any rejection of the independent pay review body’s recommendations will “simply embolden teachers to vote for further strike action”. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure from as many as 40 Labour ministers to roll out universal free school meals for primary school children in England if the party is elected at the next general election. Labour MPs told i there was “intense lobbying going on” urging Sir Keir to adopt the pledge as he compiles the party’s manifesto. By Poppy Wood.

The children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has urged MPs to implement their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms “quickly” in response to new figures showing an increase in the number of pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) in schools. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

A record 1.4 million children and young people looked for NHS assistance for mental health problems last year. NHS figures show the number of school-age children being referred to child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) has undergone an “explosion” in the last three years, up by 76 per cent since 2019. By Denis Campbell, The Guardian.

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