Ofqual has announced that GCSE and A-level students will get advance sight of assessment materials in an effort to level the playing field. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times. The article quotes David James, deputy head of Lady Eleanor Holles School.

Schools Week explores Ofqual's proposals for this year's autumn exam series. By Samantha Booth.

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, has said children should not be deprived of a summer holiday this year, arguing spending time with their loved ones "will help them work well at school". By Will Hazell, iNews.

Addressing the Association of School and College Leaders virtual conference, Ms Spielman confirmed that full graded Ofsted inspections will not return until the autumn. By James Carr, Schools Week.

Lord Lexden, president of the Independent Schools Association, submitted a written question asking the Government about how independent schools will be able to contribute to education recovery schemes. In response, Baroness Berridge praised the sector's involvement in mutually beneficial partnerships with state schools, adding: "I would very much like to see this spirit of collaboration extended to our COVID-19 recovery efforts." Hansard.

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, writes in Tes arguing the switch to remote learning has revealed that the current school curriculum is "not fit for purpose".

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, has warned that funding set aside for primary schools' recovery efforts risks being "entirely wiped out" by a change to the pupil premium policy. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Tes reports on research findings which suggest staff at international schools are feeling "drained" and "frustrated" during the pandemic. By Claudia Civinini.

Footballer Wilfried Zaha is calling for all children to have a free musical instrument to help them express themselves and recover from the COVID-19 crisis. By Sian Griffiths, The Times.

Grainne Hallahan writes in Tes offering advice on how schools can celebrate a COVID-safe Red Nose Day this year.

In a virtual assembly this week, Helen Pike, the master of Magdalen College School, encouraged boys at the school to ask their mothers, sisters and female friends about the sexual harassment they have suffered, stating: "I'll wager you'll find it eye-opening, and I am confident that you'll want to be part of the solution." By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

According to a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute, scrapping predicted grades could reduce black students' chances of getting into top universities by up to 20 per cent. By Will Hazell, iNews.

The Department for Education (DfE) has said it hopes to add 50 more projects to its school rebuilding programme this summer, though further funding has not yet been allocated. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

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