Minority ethnic artists and their work are significantly under-represented in the school curriculum, according to the race equality think tank Runnymede Trust and charity Freelands Foundation. The study found only 2.3 per cent of all named stand-alone artists referred to in GCSE art and design exam papers are from black or South Asian backgrounds, with work by minority ethnic artists representing only 10.8 per cent of mentions in exam papers. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent. 

Professor Mark Fromhold, head of science at Nottingham University, has said physics GCSE is “dull as dishwater” and needs an overhaul to make it exciting to pupils. The professor of physics has written to exam boards suggesting quantum physics be incorporated into the qualification so that more children study the subject at A-level and at university. The Times refers to a survey conducted earlier this year that found more than half of British state schools are short of physics teachers. By Nicola Woolcock.

Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee Robin Walker has urged Jeremy Hunt to extend capital funding to create more school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Ahead of this week's Spring Budget, Mr Walker has written to the chancellor to highlight SEND as a key area for government investment and ask for more funding towards new special schools and teacher training. By John Roberts and Jasmine Norden, Tes. 

A new report from MPs on the Women and Equalities Committee has warned that a “gender play gap” is making it more difficult for girls to get into sport. The report says "gender disparities" begin from six months, when baby boys experience a surge in testosterone that makes them stronger and leads to a “real gap in fundamental skills” by the time children start primary school. By Amy Gibbons, The Telegraph. 

Schools in Scotland have been urged to consider introducing "time slots for girls to use equipment or spaces" in a bid to address a rise in misogyny driven by “toxic” online influencers such as Andrew Tate. As part of a new 66-page plan aiming to tackle “gender-based violence” in Scottish schools, headteachers are urged to ensure girls have equal access to playground equipment so their chances to participate in sport are not limited. By Daniel Sanderson, The Telegraph. 

Analysis by FFT Education Datalab of absence statistics for the 2022-23 academic year has found around one in five pupils in England is at risk of falling below the new mandatory threshold for absence fines. The findings also suggest pupils eligible for free school meals and those with SEND are “disproportionately” more likely to face fines under the new regime. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

A new report by children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has revealed “substantial variation” in support across the country for children involved in social care, with referrals to the services for one in four “severely absent” pupils resulting in “no further action”. The report has prompted calls for more help from wider support services to tackle the attendance crisis. By Samantha Booth, Schools Week.

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