According to a poll commissioned by the Higher Education Policy Institute, just 46 per cent of school leavers believe their predicted grades will reflect their academic ability. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. An article in Tes reports on similar findings from a Student Room snap poll, with 65.8 per cent of respondents saying they feel they will not be given a fair grade this summer. By Catherine Lough.

The Guardian features the accounts of several students on how the coronavirus crisis is shaping their plans for the future. By Rachel Hall and Alfie Packham. The article quotes Sukhdip Nagra, an A-level student at Leicester High School for Girls.

IE Today features an article on the independent sector's response to Ofqual's exam grade announcement. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC, and Fiona Boulton, chair of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and head of Guildford High School for Girls.

New guidance published by the Government states "educational staff do not require personal protective equipment", adding certain hygiene and cleaning products "may be rationed" as a result of supply chain issues. Schools Week. A separate article in Schools Week reports schools will only be able to claim back money spent on coronavirus-related issues if they are "unable to meet such additional costs from their existing resources, or which they could only meet by drawing down on reserves and undermining their long-term financial stability". By John Dickens.

According to a new study, closing schools could have a "relatively small effect" on slowing the spread of coronavirus. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. An article in Tes also reports on the study, which outlines some of the measures which may need to be put in place in order to reopen schools safely. By Catherine Lough.

An article in The Telegraph explores the financial impact the coronavirus outbreak has had on independent schools, amid the ongoing debate around school fees. By Katie Russell. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, and mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations. The Financial Times also discusses the financial pressures facing independent schools, ranging from pupil recruitment to teachers' pension schemes. By Andrew Jack. The article quotes Samantha Price, headmistress of Benenden School, David Woodgate, chief executive of the Independent Schools' Bursars Association, Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, and Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.

Niamh Sweeney, a teacher of health and social care and criminology at Cambridge Sixth Form College, writes in The Guardian arguing: "We must use the situation we are faced with now to end child poverty and inequalities in education and the wider society."

A group of legal activists are threatening to sue local authorities if they fail to provide disadvantaged pupils with computers and internet access for online learning purposes. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

The Department for Education is assessing whether the COVID-19 outbreak could lead to insufficient school places as building projects are put on hold. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Office for Students has extended its ban on universities changing offers over the Easter holidays over fears they could negatively impact "vulnerable" students. By Will Hazell, iNews.

Bite Back 2030, an anti-childhood obesity charity, has warned the coronavirus outbreak could exacerbate childhood obesity rates, as financial hardship pushes families towards cheap, unhealthy food. By Will Hazell, iNews.

Tes reports school inspectors in Scotland are working in childcare hubs to support children of key workers and are collating online resources to help teachers and parents with remote learning. By Emma Seith.

A Tes podcast features the insights of Liz Cloke, head of secondary at Tenby International School in Malaysia, on how schools can recruit staff remotely.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, former shadow business secretary and MP for Salford and Eccles, has been named as Labour's new shadow education secretary. By Amy Gibbons and Dave Speck, Tes. An article in Schools Week features eight key facts about Miss Long-Bailey. By Freddie Whittaker.

Charlotte Woolley, an English teacher and author, writes in The Telegraph about how schools could lead the way in challenging harmful gender stereotypes, in turn "creating equality through opportunities for all".

New research suggests young children who play video games are more likely to have a higher body mass index as teenagers than their peers who do not play video games. The Telegraph.

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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