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Daily News Summary
4 October 2019

'Independent schools could help state pupils with university applications, if PQA is introduced'
MSPs support government proposal to increase tax rates for private schools
'AI assessment system could replace GCSEs in independent schools'
'An expert guide to Oxbridge applications'
Seven failing private schools prohibited from accepting new students
'The SEND system is in crisis'
'The Apprentice ignores the real issues in the workplace'
Parents in Wales may lose the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons

'Independent schools could help state pupils with university applications, if PQA is introduced'

 

Chris Ramsey, head of Whitgift School and co-chair of the HMC/GSA Universities Sub Committee, has suggested independent schools, that "tend to have more capacity [and] are better resourced", could offer higher education advice to state pupils over the summer break if a post-qualification applications (PQA) system is introduced. By Will Hazell, iNews.

 
iNews

MSPs support government proposal to increase tax rates for private schools

 

Holyrood's local government and communities committee has backed the Scottish Government's proposal to strip independent schools of charitable tax relief in 2020. By Mark McLaughlin, The Times. The article quotes John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools.

 
The Times

'AI assessment system could replace GCSEs in independent schools'

 

Mike Buchanan, executive director of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, has suggested a new system of assessment, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, could one day 'replace GCSEs' in independent schools. By Catherine Lough, Tes. The article references Sevenoaks School and Bedales School.

 
Tes

'An expert guide to Oxbridge applications'

 

The Telegraph features a collection of expert tips on Oxbridge applications, for those interested in studying at the institutions. By Tom Ough, The Telegraph.

 
The Telegraph

Seven failing private schools prohibited from accepting new students

 

The Department for Education has published enforcement letters sent out to seven institutions that "persistently" fail to meet independent school standards. The schools, which are non-association schools, have been banned from admitting new pupils. By Kathryn Snowdon, Schools Week.

 
Schools Week

'The SEND system is in crisis'

 

Michael King, England's local government ombudsman, has warned the special educational needs and disabilities system (SEND) is "in crisis", with nine out of 10 complaints about education, health and care plans upheld in 2018-19. By Hannah Richardson, BBC News.

 
BBC

'The Apprentice ignores the real issues in the workplace'

 

Writing in The Telegraph, Judith Woods suggests the BBC show The Apprentice has become 'tired', and argues 'there are real workplace issues to address, like equal opportunities and salaries'. The article references Kilgraston School and its Woman and Business programme of events.

 
The Telegraph

Parents in Wales may lose the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons

 

The Welsh Government is considering scrapping parents' right to remove their children from relationships and sexuality education (RSE) classes and religious education (RE) lessons. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

 
The Independent

 

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