UK schools will not re-open straight away after the Easter holidays, with ministers saying they would only do so when scientific advice concluded it was safe. By Richard Adams, Rowena Mason and Libby Brooks, The Guardian. Professor Dame Angela McLean, chief scientific adviser for the Ministry of Defence, has said it would be "completely premature" to say whether schools will open their gates before the summer holidays. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has said this year's exam grades will go through a series of moderation processes to ensure they accurately reflect students' potential. By Catherine Lough, Tes. An article in iNews reports on concerns over student motivation, as some teenagers who believe they have already passed their exams this year try to get "gig economy" jobs before the school year ends. By Will Hazell.
The Financial Times reports on the issue of fees for many independent schools, with some parents calling for more significant cuts to the cost of their children's education. By Andrew Jack. Tes reports international investors could take the opportunity to purchase UK independent schools while the pound is weak. By Dave Speck. The article quotes Peter Woodroffe, deputy chief executive of the Independent Schools Association.
The International Baccalaureate has confirmed all exams for its Middle Years Programme will not go ahead this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. By Catherine Lough, Tes.
Schools Week reports the Department for Education has confirmed schools "should not use the 2020 exams data as part of their teacher performance management process". By James Carr.
The National Association of Head Teachers is calling for clarification on whether schools can claim extra funding to pay for staff on term time only contracts to work during the Easter holidays. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.
As part of updated guidance for residential schools, the Government has suggested teachers might have to be "drafted in" from other settings to keep special schools open. By Catherine Lough, Tes.
Russell Viner, professor in adolescent health at UCL and president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, writes in The Telegraph outlining why he believes re-opening schools is key to gradually lifting the lockdown.
Derek Baker, permanent secretary in the Department of Education, has said most schools in Northern Ireland staying open for the children of key workers have no pupils attending. By Michael McHugh, The Times.
Stephen Morales, chief executive of the Institute of School Business Leadership, has expressed concern about the amount of revenue schools could lose as they are unable to hire out their facilities during the pandemic. By Catherine Lough, Tes.
ITV News reports on a popular new ebook for primary-aged children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, which explains the coronavirus outbreak in a way that is easy to understand.
