Stamford Endowed Schools, comprised of four schools in Lincolnshire, have started subsidising bursaries for pupils from poorer backgrounds through a “benefits card”, which gives residents discounts and offers from local shops. By Will Hazell, iNews. The article quotes Jo Peck, head of fundraising, and Will Phelan, principal of Stamford Endowed Schools.

Partnerships between state and independent schools were celebrated earlier this month at an event in parliament, which was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Independent Education. By IE Today. The article quotes Sue Hincks, headmistress of Bolton School Girls’ Division and Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council.

Charley Rogers writes in IE Today about the work independent schools are undertaking to widen access through scholarships and bursaries. The article quotes Simon Jones, director of development at The Manchester Grammar School; Lucy Lunt, director of development and alumni relations at Solihull School; Faye, a fully funded student from Christ College in Brecon; and Tim Laker, bursar at Lewes Old Grammar School. There is also reference to a recent book, ‘Transforming young lives: fundraising for bursaries’, which was published by the ISC in partnership with IDPE, Graham-Pelton and the ISBA.

The Department for Education (DfE) has published a list of six educational apps for young children, in a bid to improve literacy, language, communication and handwriting. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Publisher Hachette UK has removed a school history textbook from sale after it was accused of “peddling anti-Semitic conspiracy theories”. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Ofqual has ordered exam boards to publish fee information about their qualifications online to “create a more level playing field”. Schools Week.

UCAS has released new data which reveals the top 20 countries with the highest number of applicants to UK universities. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

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