The 2019 ISC Census has been published today. This year, the Census shows a rise in the number of partnership projects between state and independent schools, the provision of means-tested fee assistance increasing to a value of more than £420 million, and pupil numbers reaching a record high. The Census, which has been conducted annually for the past 45 years, is completed by all schools in ISC membership. It is an important resource for the independent education sector, as well as for policymakers and opinion formers.

Watch ISC chairman, Barnaby Lenon, and Donna Stevens, ISC head of research, discuss this year's Census findings.

Coverage following the publication of this year's Census focuses on the economic impact of independent schools and their savings to the taxpayer each year, from The Times, Daily Mail and The Sun.

The Telegraph focuses on the rise in school fees, after the Treasury’s ruling that employer contributions for teachers' pensions will rise.

Analysis in The Times by Nicola Woolcock argues "private schools offer a resolute riposte but scrutiny will increase". The Times leading article states "fee-paying schools have put a strong case for their charitable status, showing how much they contribute and how much they save the exchequer in expenditure".

On BBC Radio 2 at 12:10 today, Mike Buchanan, executive director of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC), spoke on the Jeremy Vine show debating whether VAT should be imposed on independent school fees. Listen here when the programme is available on catch-up.

Shaun Fenton, chair of HMC and head of Reigate Grammar School, was interviewed at 12:05 on Radio 5 Live, discussing this year's Census findings on the Chiles on Friday show. Listen here when the programme is available on catch-up.

Mike Buchanan, executive director of the HMC, highlights the independent sector's progress in widening access and supporting state schools. He writes in response to a piece in Tes yesterday by Ed Dorrell, who argued the sector is 'losing the battle for hearts and minds among both the ruling classes and the aspirant middle classes'.

Writing in Tes' magazine, Alistair McConville, director of learning and innovation at Bedales School, questions whether the 'cult of cognitive load therapy' translates effectively to the classroom in a way that benefits teachers and pupils.

Also featured in Tes' magazine is an article by Gail Haythorne, a senior teacher at Woldingham School, who discusses her school's approach to 'growth mindset', which champions resilience among pupils.

Research published today has found school admission systems, based on parental choice, are leading to the segregation of pupils by socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. By Dave Speck, Tes.

A proposed amendment to the immigration bill could allow overseas students to work for two years after graduation. By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

Jo Johnson MP, universities minister from 2015-18, and Paul Blomfield MP, co-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on international students, write in The Times that Britain "needs more overseas students".

Graduate earnings figures for 2018, published by the Department for Education, show postgraduates typically earn about 40% more than those without degrees. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.

The Guardian reports on the finding that women in England with postgraduate degrees still earn less than men with only bachelor’s degrees. By Richard Adams.

The health secretary, Matt Hancock MP, has warned that children who have not been given the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine may be excluded from school if immunisation rates fail to improve. By Gordon Rayner, The Telegraph.

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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