Eric Furda, dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, has said British sixth-formers have a level of maturity which puts them "a couple of years ahead of the American student”. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times. The article references North London Collegiate School which has seen seven of its former pupils taking up places at American universities this autumn.

The managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has said more needs to be done by the music education sector to promote orchestral instruments. By David Sanderson, The Times.

Does your school try to encourage children to play a wider range of instruments? Have you noticed a shift in the popularity of certain instruments played by pupils? If you would like to write a blog outlining any innovative music initiatives your school has, please email georgina.belcher@isc.co.uk.

Following an international study on social mobility from the OECD economics think tank, BBC News questions whether schools are helping or hindering social mobility. By Sean Coughlan.

Following criticism about the number of unconditional offers being awarded to students, St Mary's University, Twickenham, has announced it will no longer be making such offers to "ensure it maintains its entry standards". BBC News.

The Wee Sleep Out, an initiative to raise awareness of homelessness, will take place across Scotland next month and is expected to see more than 4,000 young people taking part. By Emma Seith, 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.

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