David James, deputy head academic at Bryanston School, writes in Tes that independent schools cannot be held responsible for "everything that is terrible nowadays". He argues the only way to create a meritocracy is to "invest seriously in state schools".

Writing for The Telegraph, Sophia Money-Coutts reflects upon her positive experiences at boarding school and encourages parents not to discount the option.

A new report released by the Confederation of British Industry has found almost a quarter of the 17-23 year-olds surveyed feel they left school without the basic life skills needed for the workplace. Education Executive.

Does your school offer any careers-based workshops to pupils in the local community as part of a state school partnership? If you would like to write a 400-800 word blog on the subject, please email emily.roberts@isc.co.uk

In an effort to boost the number of medical students staying in Scotland, the SNP have introduced a new policy which will result in medical schools accepting fewer applicants south of the border. By Simon Johnson, The Telegraph.

Research conducted by mental health charity Mind has found three in five secondary school pupils have either experienced mental health issues or know someone who has, amid calls for more support services in schools. By Peter Stubley, The Independent.

Writing for The Guardian, Fiona Millar argues the prime minister hopeful 'has done nothing to suggest he has an interest in state schools, or cares deeply about social cohesion or equality'.

Research conducted by Public Health England analysed five years of data and identified a rise in asthma-related incidents when children returned to school in September. It is thought various factors ranging from stress to air pollution will result in asthma attacks increasing four fold this year. By Sarah Knapton, The Telegraph.

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