ISC Daily News Summary

Exams 2021: 'Is it fair for schools to run full mock exams?'

Examinations

Tes explores whether schools should be running a full suite of mock exams to determine pupils' GCSE and A-level grades. By Catherine Lough. The article quotes Shaun Fenton, head of Reigate Grammar School, Vicky Bingham, headmistress at South Hampstead High School, and Kieran McLaughlin, head of Durham School.

• Tes

Everyone's Invited names universities involved in sexual abuse allegations

Child welfare

The Everyone's Invited campaign is releasing the names of more than 100 universities where students have submitted anonymous testimonies of sexual harassment and abuse. By Emma Yeomans, The Times.

According to Schools Week, Everyone's Invited is considering publishing a tally of school sexual abuse allegations, including a list of how many times individual institutions have been named. By Samantha Booth.

Speaking to The Times, several girls and boys respond to reports of a toxic sexual culture in schools. By Lucy Bannerman.

Coronavirus: Survey sheds light on pupils' mental health during the pandemic

General education

According to a survey conducted for the Early Intervention Foundation, just four per cent of teachers say they have seen no major changes in pupils' mental health in the last year. By Will Hazell, iNews.

Robin Bevan, president of the National Education Union, has backed a petition calling on the Government to spend the £10 million it set aside for behaviour hubs on mental health support in schools instead. By Dave Speck, Tes.

John Nichols, the current president of the The Tutors' Association, has said it is "depressing and infuriating" that the Government has not enlisted the help of experienced tutors as part of the education recovery programme. By Victoria Lambert, The Telegraph.

Phil Kemp, the new president of the NASUWT, has said the pandemic has encouraged teachers to explore new technologies and lesson delivery styles, giving them more control over decision-making in the classroom. By Dave Speck, Tes.

John Pitt, headmaster of RGS Worcester, writes in Independent Schools Magazine reflecting on the impact the pandemic has had on school leadership. In a separate article, Antony Spencer, CEO of The Mill Hill School Foundation, explains how the pandemic led to the facilitation of a successful merger with Cobham Hall School.

Research suggests delayed school start times improve pupils' sleep

General education

Scientists have said secondary schools should consider delaying start times to synchronise better with teenagers' body clocks. By Tom Whipple, The Times.

• The Times