ISC Daily News Summary

BBC staff twice as likely to have attended independent school, research finds

Ofcom has published its third annual report into television industry diversity, and has revealed BBC staff are twice as likely to be privately educated than the average Briton. By Matthew Moore, The Times.

• The Times

School launches a "virtual sixth form" to teach overseas pupils

Harrow School has set up a "virtual sixth form" which will teach A-levels online to overseas children. The income will be shared between Pearson and Harrow, with the school saying it will use the money to support bursaries for disadvantaged pupils. The article quotes Heather Rhodes, principal of Harrow School Online. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.

• BBC

Campaigners call for private school reform

Private School Policy Reform, a new education think tank, has published a "DIY guide" for politicians, which aims to make current fee-paying schools "more accessible and the education system more equitable". By Catherine Lough, Tes. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), and Mike Buchanan, executive director of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

Read the ISC's full response here.

Frances Ryan writes an opinion piece in The Guardian supporting Labour's decision to debate the future of independent schools at the party's conference.

• Tes

Education secretary proposes "flatter" teacher pay progression

The education secretary Gavin Williamson has consulted the School Teachers’ Review Body about higher starting and early career salaries, alongside “a relatively flatter pay progression structure”. By Dave Speck, Tes.

• Tes

Schools urged to contact food suppliers over readiness for Brexit

The education minister Lord Agnew has urged schools, councils and academy chains to contact food suppliers to ensure there is enough food for pupils in the event of a no-deal Brexit. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

• The Independent

Extra school cash 'will reverse cuts'

An independent analysis of education budgets has said extra government cash may reverse school budgets, but will "leave schools where they were 13 years ago". Tes.

• Tes

Students spend 55 hours a week online, poll finds

According to a recent poll, British students spend an average of 55 hours a week online with just two hours spent studying. By Alice Hughes, The Independent.

• The Independent