Letters published in The Guardian highlight the benefits of independent schools in relation to social mobility and children with special educational needs. One of the letters featured is written by Richard Russell, head of Colfe's School in London.

The Scottish Council of Independent Schools has requested the £7 million tax increase proposed by the SNP be postponed to 2022 to mitigate the impact it will have on independent schools - and, in turn, on government efforts to tackle obesity. By Simon Johnson, The Telegraph. The article quotes John McColgan, bursar at Hutchesons' Grammar School and clerk to the governors.

David James, deputy head (academic) of Bryanston School, writes for Tes about Conservative Party leadership candidate Boris Johnson, arguing society would become healthier "if we stop fixating on the schools people went to".

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has calculated a one-off £3.8bn increase would be needed in order to reverse 8% cuts in per pupil school spending. By Branwen Jeffreys, BBC News.

A survey conducted by digital wealth manager Nutmeg has revealed 60% of teachers believe pupils leave school with "a poor level of financial understanding", and 70% of students say they gain their financial knowledge from their parents. FENews.

A study by Health and Environment Alliance has found high levels of air pollution in classrooms are leaving pupils at risk of dizziness and headaches. By Graeme Paton, The Times.

Children’s commissioner Anne Longfield is planning to launch a Green Paper to ensure the most vulnerable young children are identified early and supported to become school-ready. By John Roberts, Tes.

The Department for Education has named a further 64 institutions that will deliver T-levels in digital, education, construction and health and science from 2021. By Kate Parker, 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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