Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), was interviewed yesterday on BBC Radio Surrey about Labour's plans to tax school fees and the likely impact on state schools, notably in the Surrey area. Reference is made to research by the ISC, which suggests around a quarter of independent pupils would have to switch to the state sector if Labour's plan was to come into effect. Speaking to broadcaster James Cannon, Ms Robinson warned "the sharp shock of VAT on school fees would make the fees more unaffordable for more parents". Listen from 1:07:20.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan has told unions that an increased pay deal for teachers is the Government's final offer, after the National Education Union (NEU) urged members to reject it and announced there might be two further strike days in England. By Vanessa Clarke, BBC News.

The Department for Education (DfE) has been warned by headteachers that the latest pay offer is the “worst possible” outcome, as it would increase pressure on schools to support the additional payments while they have to try to retain teachers. By Matilda Martin and Callum Mason, Tes.

Writing in The Telegraph, parliamentary sketchwriter Madeline Grant says she would like to see more single-sex schools in the state sector, in light of the news that Westminster School is to admit girls in all year groups. Speaking of her own experience at an all-girls school, Ms Grant remarks: "Looking back, I see much to recommend."

Schools should make students do some coursework in class “under direct supervision” to make sure they are not cheating, according to new guidance from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), amid fears around artificial intelligence (AI) platforms such as ChatGPT. The JCQ, which represents exam boards, has issued the guidance for schools on “protecting the integrity of qualifications”. By Samantha Booth, Schools Week.

Speaking at the BETT show in London later today, Gillian Keegan will say that AI will eventually be used by schools “to deliver better outcomes for students”. The education secretary's remarks will also coincide with the publication of a statement from the DfE, outlining “opportunities and risks” that come with AI for education. By Callum Mason, Tes.

Two former Ofsted inspectors speak to iNews about their experiences in the role, describing "inhumane" school checks and why they left, amid calls for reform of the watchdog in the wake of the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. By Poppy Wood.

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests almost seven in 10 children in England whose families are entitled to universal credit (UC) are not eligible for free school meals. Nearly 30 per cent of families claiming UC were classified as food insecure in 2021/22, six times the rate among families not claiming the benefit, according to the report. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Tes includes a feature from Michael Hobbiss, a psychology teacher who decided to research solutions to help the increasing number of students he had noticed were struggling with exam anxiety. As exam season approaches, Mr Hobbiss offers some evidence-based interventions to try, such as expressive writing.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.

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