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Daily News Summary
21 January 2019

Oxbridge success for two state schools in one of the poorest neighbourhoods
Letters: Oxbridge success of state schools
Criticism for charities that refuse to pay Fundraising Regulator levy
Improving universities' mental health support
'Why post-qualification applications should be introduced'
How will edtech affect the exams system?
International school exchanges boosted by government

Oxbridge success for two state schools in one of the poorest neighbourhoods

 

Two state schools in the London borough of Newham - one of the poorest parts of Britain - have secured record numbers of Oxbridge places for dozens of pupils. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times. One of the schools, London Academy of Excellence, is supported by HSBC and six independent schools.

The Telegraph also features an article on this story, referencing Westminster School, a partner of Harris Westminster Sixth Form.

 
The Sunday Times

Letters: Oxbridge success of state schools

 

On Saturday, The Times published a letter from John Moule, warden of Radley College, discussing the Oxbridge success of two state schools. Letter just above half-way.

Today's Times features a letter from John Claughton, former chief master of King Edward’s School, Birmingham, who writes about the merits of the direct grant system. Letter half-way down.

 

Criticism for charities that refuse to pay Fundraising Regulator levy

 

The chairman of the Fundraising Regulator has criticised charities, including independent schools, that have refused to pay a levy to fund its work. By Greg Hurst, The Times.

 
The Times

Improving universities' mental health support

 

Andrew Halls, headteacher of King’s College School in Wimbledon, discusses the rise in mental health problems among young people. He argues that universities can learn from schools in tackling this issue. The Sunday Times.

 
The Sunday Times

'Why post-qualification applications should be introduced'

 

Dr Bernard Trafford, a former independent school headteacher, writes in Tes that shifting to a system of post-qualification applications could solve many issues plaguing the higher education sector.

 
Tes

How will edtech affect the exams system?

 

Kevin Stannard, director of innovation and learning at the Girls' Day School Trust, discusses how edtech will impact the exams system. Tes.

 
Tes

International school exchanges boosted by government

 

A government grant will enable state schools in England to take disadvantaged students on international exchanges. By Caroline Henshaw, Tes.

 
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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