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Daily News Summary
13 August 2019

Figures reveal number of Oxbridge governors at independent schools
More than 60 private schools to withdraw from TPS
Eton teacher calls for "slow education" in schools
New maths GCSEs 'deter pupils from taking the subject at A-level'
Figures show deaf pupils are under-achieving in A-levels
Students face loan interest debt of £8.6 billion within five years
Fears over potential impact of no-deal Brexit on Erasmus
How to buy school uniforms more cheaply

Figures reveal number of Oxbridge governors at independent schools

 

A survey conducted by The Daily Telegraph has revealed that 31 per cent of the independent schools which belong to the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) have at least one Oxbridge governor, prompting claims this could give some students an unfair advantage when applying for places at the universities. By Tony Diver and Camilla Turner. Shaun Fenton, chair of the HMC, is quoted.

 
The Telegraph

More than 60 private schools to withdraw from TPS

 

Sixty-two independent schools have notified the Department for Education of their plans to withdraw from the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), as employer contributions are set to rise by 40 per cent from September. By Pippa Allen-Kinross, Schools Week. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, is quoted.

 
Schools Week

Eton teacher calls for "slow education" in schools

 

Mike Grenier, an English teacher at Eton College, has said more schools could benefit from adopting a "slow education" approach to teaching and learning, which allows "more time for discussion, reflection and learning in depth". By Peter Wilby, The Guardian.

 
The Guardian

New maths GCSEs 'deter pupils from taking the subject at A-level'

 

Provisional data for this year shows the number of pupils that took A-level maths this summer has dropped, with experts suggesting the 'tough' new GCSE has discouraged students from pursuing the subject. By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

Tes reports on the decline of A-level English, with the National Association for the Teaching of English claiming students are put off by "formulaic" GCSE questions. By Catherine Lough.

 

Figures show deaf pupils are under-achieving in A-levels

 

According to analysis conducted by the National Deaf Children's Society, 44 per cent of deaf students achieved two A-levels or equivalent, compared with 63 per cent of hearing students. Tes.

 
Tes

Students face loan interest debt of £8.6 billion within five years

 

Government figures show students are set to owe £8.6 billion a year in interest on their tuition loans by 2024. By Rob Merrick, The Independent.

 
The Independent

Fears over potential impact of no-deal Brexit on Erasmus

 

The Scottish and Welsh governments have written to the UK education secretary to express their concerns over the future of Erasmus, an EU-funded student exchange programme, in the event of a no-deal Brexit. By Jamie McIvor, BBC News.

 
BBC

How to buy school uniforms more cheaply

 

Research published by market analysts Mintel suggests parents spend approximately £1.2 billion on school clothing and equipment. BBC News outlines the ways parents can access school uniforms more cheaply. By Rebecca Wearn and Rob England.

 
BBC

 

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