Andrew Halls, head of King's College School, Wimbledon, outlines the education policies he believes politicians should pursue over the next five years. In reference to independent schools, he suggests education vouchers equivalent to the cost of a state school place could be introduced to help offset fees, 'enabling independent schools to provide tens of thousands of places to children from the widest range of backgrounds'. The Sunday Times.

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has suggested the current political discourse has reduced the debate surrounding independent schools to "binary low-level arguments". She added myth busting is necessary to reveal 'the inclusive and diverse reality of the independent sector'. By Claudia Civinini, Tes. The ISC myth-busting booklet referenced in the article can be read online here.

Olesya Dmitracova compares the value of independent education with state education. She argues schools and policymakers should work to create "the right balance between academic achievement and students' welfare", regardless of sector. The Independent.

According to a new survey from the National Education Union, this September only three per cent of independent school teachers received a cost-of-living pay increase that matched or bettered the amount recommended by the School Teachers' Review Body. The survey also found 60 per cent of teachers have experienced an increase in their workload since last year. Education Executive.

Jeremy Corbyn is set to launch the Labour Party's race and faith manifesto today. Within it, the Party outlines plans to teach children about injustice and the role of the British Empire in schools. BBC News.

Schools Week reports the Labour Party intends to launch a review into the under-representation of black, Asian and ethnic minority teachers in schools in England, should it enter into government.

The Conservative Party has pledged to introduce new legislation to better protect children from online abuse and harms. By Charles Hymas, The Telegraph.

The Daily Mail reports children will be able to receive their flu vaccinations at school, as the issue of delayed deliveries has now been resolved. Public Health England has urged those eligible to get vaccinated "as soon as possible". By Vanessa Chalmers.

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