Panellists on The Pledge, a programme broadcast on Sky News, discussed the issue of independent schools and social mobility yesterday. A statement from Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the Girls' Day School Trust, is referenced. The link below directs you to Sky News' YouTube channel.

Dr Karen Marshall, head of science at a small girls' day school, highlights the importance of educating female students about the value of A-level physics, and describes how her school has increased the number of girls studying the subject. Tes. The article references the Girls' Schools Association.

According to Tes, the Department for Education "will not rule out" the possibility that extra funding pledged by Boris Johnson may be used to cover increased costs associated with pensions and high needs SEND. By Martin George.

A report from the Education Policy Institute suggests Mr Johnson's proposals to increase the minimum level of per pupil funding would mean schools serving disadvantaged pupils receive less of an uplift. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Analysis by the House of Commons Library reveals 155 cricket pitches in England have been closed since 2010, with 75 having been built since then, resulting in an overall loss of 80. By Benjamin Kentish, The Independent.

The Office for Students has warned that universities failing to do enough to recruit disadvantaged students will face financial penalties in the form of fee cuts. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

According to Anne Longfield, the Children's Commissioner, an increase in the number of older children and teenagers with "complex needs" entering care in England has 'put the system under strain'. BBC News.

The latest skills barometer from the Department for the Economy forecasts an oversupply of teachers and academics seeking work in Northern Ireland over the next ten years. By Robbie Meredith, BBC News.

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