The Times reports that 'leading private schools were awash with top GCSE grades', with a number of schools seeing almost all pupils achieving the top grades. By Nicola Woolcock, Rosemary Bennett and Katie Sayer. References Guildford High School for Girls, North London Collegiate School and Westminster School.

Adam Pettitt, head at Highgate School, writes a letter to The Times discussing teaching to the test and arguing the difference between learning and getting a qualification. Letter just above half-way.

Emma Pattison, headteacher of Croydon High School, writes for The Evening Standard discussing the new GCSEs.

The Times reports that critics have challenged the reformed GCSEs claiming they have resulted in excessive grade inflation. The Times' education correspondent provides analysis on this year's results, stating that the impact of Michael Gove’s reforms may not be seen for years. The paper's leading article states the reforms are a work in progress.

iNews questions whether the GCSE reforms were worth it in the end.

Kevin Stannard, director of innovation and learning at the Girls' Day School Trust, argues in Tes that assessment should take place over a longer period.

A number of educationalists have written to The Times urging the Government to reverse its EBacc policy in a bid to keep music alive in schools. Signatories include Barbara R-D Fisher, vice president of The Yehudi Menuhin School as well as Nicolas Chisholm, former headmaster, and Peter Renshaw, former principal, at the school.

Melissa Benn writes a 'long read' for the Guardian, arguing why she thinks independent schools should be abolished.

Philip Collins writes a comment piece for The Times discussing the number of children starting primary school lacking basic skills.

A former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders has predicted that the union will merge with the National Association of Head Teachers within 10 years. By Will Hazell, Tes.

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.

Sign-up to the email service is available on our website.

Members can contact the ISC if they know in advance of news, letters or opinions that are likely to feature in the media, or are aware of existing coverage which they would like to see featured in the DNS.

Headlines and first-line summaries are written by the ISC with the link directing to the source material. You should read and comply with the terms and conditions of the websites to which we link.