John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, writes in IE Today about the increased scrutiny of Scottish independent schools' charitable status. He lists the ways independent schools give back, saying they "ensure that any public benefit outweighs any private benefit". The article mentions several schools within membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

According to new figures, there are now 739 girls and 737 boys singing in cathedral choirs, with girls outnumbering boys for the first time. By Kaya Burgess, The Times.

David James, an independent school deputy head (academic), writes in Tes questioning the relevance of the National Education Union.

The Department for Education has said it will consider amending its new national funding formula, amid concerns some of the country's smallest schools could miss out on additional "top-up" funding. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Schools Week reports the Queen's speech, delivered yesterday, did not outline any new education policies. Instead, it reiterated a commitment to increasing levels of per-pupil funding and tackling serious violence. By Freddie Whittaker.

The Daily News Summary will be taking a break over the festive period, with today's DNS (20 December) being the last of 2019. Normal service will resume on Thursday 2 January, 2020.

From everyone at the Independent Schools Council, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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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