Two readers write to The Times to share their views on Labour’s plans to add VAT to independent school fees. One warns that the policy would "penalise children and their educational needs while damaging a successful part of our economy". The second contributor considers the impact of the policy on bursaries for low-income families. The letters appear halfway down the page.

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, head of Redmaids' High School Paul Dwyer calls for the Labour Party to reconsider its tax plans for independent schools. To achieve Labour's aim of boosting state education, Mr Dwyer says “there are a few areas that seem in easy reach that could be explored more meaningfully”.

Sarah Griffin, a 12-year-old girl who was a heavy vaper, has warned other children against taking up the habit after she suffered a collapsed lung and was placed in an induced coma for four days. Health secretary Steve Barclay recently announced plans to restrict the sale of vapes and to introduce plain packaging. By Steven Swinford and Poppy Koronka, The Times.

Rap and 1990s grunge should be taught in music lessons as part of a “diverse curriculum”, according to representatives from Oak National Academy, a body funded by the Department for Education (DfE) that provides online teaching resources. Secondary school pupils could be taught about 2Pac, 50 Cent, Eminem, Nirvana and Pearl Jam alongside classical music composers, although specific artists on the curriculum are yet to be confirmed. By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph. 

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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