Tes has reported on statements published by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) in response to a reported Labour plan to impose VAT on school fees should the party come into power. By Dave Speck and Tes reporter.

HMC's executive director, Mike Buchanan, writes in The Telegraph, calling for "a new conversation, about all types of schools working together to improve education".

James Tooley, professor of educational entrepreneurship and policy at the University of Buckingham, also writes in The Telegraph about this topic. He states "what Labour Party activists are proposing is illegal under European (and now British) Law".

The Financial Times' 'Money Mentor' features a report looking at fee assistance provided by independent schools. By Lindsay Cook. The article quotes ISC chief executive Julie Robinson and references a number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

iNews features an in-depth look at the different approaches schools take over uniform policies. By Will Hazel. The article quotes Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and Alistair McConville, deputy head at Bedales School.

A number of independent schools are featured in The Sunday Times' Scottish independent schools review. Articles look at the growing popularity of apprenticeships, schools cutting down their carbon footprint, the benefits associated with outdoor learning and the importance of healthy eating. By Gabriella Bennett.

Gavin Williamson has voiced concern about universities using unconditional offers, suggesting they could be breaching consumer law. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

A study by Universities UK has revealed some universities have begun stockpiling supplies due to concerns about leaving the EU without a deal. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Dr Bernard Trafford, a former independent school headteacher, writes in Tes about whether it is necessary to have a national qualification for 16-year-olds.

Criticism has been levelled at new guidelines on transgender pupils after a leaked document from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was seen by The Sunday Times. By Nicholas Hellen and Sian Griffiths.

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.

Sign-up to the email service is available on our website.

Members can contact the ISC if they know in advance of news, letters or opinions that are likely to feature in the media, or are aware of existing coverage which they would like to see featured in the DNS.

Headlines and first-line summaries are written by the ISC with the link directing to the source material. You should read and comply with the terms and conditions of the websites to which we link.