Harry De Quetteville responds to claims made by leading geneticist Robert Plomin, who stated school type is not important because a pupil's academic success is pre-determined by their genes. De Quetteville argues independent schools provide children with advantages such as 'connections, confidence and access to facilities', helping young people to find the best path to flourish. The Telegraph.

Christopher King, chief executive of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, writes a letter to The Times contradicting a claim that prep schools are in decline. He highlights the holistic education prep schools offer, which 'will continue to provide children with the life skills they need'.

Letter half-way down.

John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, discusses the impending rollout of the Non-Domestic Rates Bill in Scotland, which ‘restricts’ the work of independent schools. Tes.

A curriculum expert has said GCSE English teachers are 'wasting their time' having to teach history and religious education to fill gaps in their pupils’ knowledge. By Will Hazell, Tes.

Sure Start centres, which aim to support the wellbeing of children before they start school, have been shown to have a positive impact but face cuts, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.

A survey by the Disabled Children’s Partnership has found nine in 10 parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are unable to care for them safely due to the lack of support they receive. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

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