- AGBIS-ISBA merger to 'build a more joined-up, more effective model of support'
- Independent school in Berkshire announces closure amid rising costs
- House of Lords written questions: Independent schools
- School suspensions drop for first time since pandemic, data shows
- More than a third of inspected schools face Ofsted monitoring
- Aspire programme strengthens school partnerships
- My experience working at ISC
- The Daily News Summary will take a break for the summer holiday
AGBIS-ISBA merger to 'build a more joined-up, more effective model of support'
Independent sectorWriting in School Management Plus, Richard Harman, chief executive of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS), explains the rationale behind the planned merger between AGBIS and the Independent Schools Bursars' Association (ISBA). "For me, the most important point is that the proposed merger creates an exciting opportunity not simply to bring two associations together, but to rethink how sector bodies can work more effectively alongside one another in support of schools," he says.
Independent school in Berkshire announces closure amid rising costs
Independent sectorSt Joseph's College in Reading will close today, with governors citing financial pressures that have "significantly impacted" the school's costs, including the introduction of the VAT on fees policy and the removal of business rates relief. Chair of governors Hilary Buckle said: "We want to express our sincere thanks to everyone who came forward with suggestions to keep the school open, but unfortunately none of these were able to provide a sustainable future for St Joseph's College." Expressing his sadness at the closure, Oliver De Maringey said he will send his sons, one in Reception and the other in Year 5, to state schools. He said: "People had to scrimp and save and run 20-year-old cars to pay for this education, but it was not out of reach. It was an affordable, diverse school which catered for all in society." By Charlotte Coles and James Aldridge, BBC News.
House of Lords written questions: Independent schools
PoliticalIn a written question in the House of Lords, Conservative peer Lord Black of Brentwood asked ministers what assessment they have made of the evidence from the Get Information About Schools dataset about the closures of independent schools. Labour peer Baroness Smith of Malvern said the website provides information about independent schools' registration and closures as reported. "The share of pupils in independent schools has stayed broadly consistent at 6.3 per cent, and more private schools opened than closed in 2025," she added.
Labour peer Baroness Caine of Kentish Town submitted a question in which she asked ministers how many state-funded secondary schools in England offer GCSE film studies; A-level film studies; GCSE media studies, and A-level media studies. She then asked how many independent schools offer each of these qualifications; and whether this information will be published annually by region as part of the national dataset on subject provision in schools. Responding, Baroness Smith provided a table detailing the number of schools with entries in the two subjects requested. She added that the department does not hold figures on the subjects that institutions offer. The figures state: GCSE film studies: 276 (state-funded) and 37 (independent); GCSE media/film/TV studies: 803 and 40; A-level film studies: 391 and 40; and A-level media/film/TV studies: 746 and 29. Baroness Smith added that media studies is referred to in the department's attainment data as 'media/film/TV studies' and is a separate qualification to 'film studies'. Hansard.
School suspensions drop for first time since pandemic, data shows
SuspensionsSchool suspensions and permanent exclusions in England fell for the first time since the pandemic in 2024/25, according to government figures released yesterday. There were 913,000 suspensions across state schools in 2024/25, a four per cent decrease on the previous year. Permanent exclusions were also down nine per cent, at 9,900. Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the main reason for disciplinary action, while pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those eligible for free school meals, and boys continue to be disproportionately affected. Education leaders have welcomed the decline but are calling for greater investment in mental health, social care, and early intervention in order to address the underlying causes of poor behaviour and reduce exclusions further. By Kate McGough, BBC News.
More than a third of inspected schools face Ofsted monitoring
InspectionMore than a third (37 per cent) of schools inspected under Ofsted's new report card framework this year will face a monitoring inspection, more than double the proportion under the previous system, raising concerns about increased pressure on school leaders and inspectors. The rise is largely due to the new framework, where a single "needs attention" judgement in any evaluation area can trigger a follow-up visit. A number of unions have warned that the approach could worsen workload and wellbeing, while Ofsted argues that targeted monitoring inspections help schools address issues more quickly and avoid them being left with low grades for years. By Cerys Turner and John Roberts, Tes.
Aspire programme strengthens school partnerships
ISC's Friday FeatureLaunched in 2024, Lancing College's Aspire Programme has quickly become a key part of the school's partnership and outreach work, creating opportunities for pupils, staff and the wider community through meaningful collaboration with local schools. Working closely with state-maintained primary schools, Aspire is designed around the needs identified by local headteachers. The programme offers educational enrichment for Year 5 pupils, with Saturday morning sessions in subjects including English, mathematics, science and languages, alongside sport and team-building activities.
While the sessions are predominantly free, a small charge per child attending has been introduced for future Aspire events. This helps to sustain and expand the programme, ensuring more children can benefit from these valuable learning experiences. By balancing accessibility with sustainability, the initiative aims to widen access to high-quality education and inspire a love of learning beyond the classroom.
One recent highlight saw author Josh Lacey work with the school's Year 5 pupils and peers from Broadwater CE Primary School as part of the National Year of Reading, helping to inspire a shared enthusiasm for literature and creative writing.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to the Friday Feature series. If you have a good news story you would like to share with us, please email [email protected] to be considered for inclusion next term.
My experience working at ISC
ISC blogIn our latest blog, Aiden, a sixth form student from Harris Academy Falconwood, shares some highlights from his week of work experience at ISC. "All the members of staff made me feel extremely welcome and treated me like a colleague instead of like a student," he writes.
The Daily News Summary will take a break for the summer holiday
Message from ISCThe Daily News Summary will take a break over summer, returning in August to report on this year's exam results. Normal service will resume at the start of term in September.
From everyone at the Independent Schools Council, we hope you all have a restful and enjoyable summer break, and send our best wishes to all pupils awaiting their results.
Today's bulletin has been compiled with the help of Aiden, a work experience student from Harris Academy Falconwood.