According to data from the Department for Education (DfE), the number of pupils in English state schools last week reached the highest point since the pandemic began, though around 170,000 pupils were self-isolating due to potential contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. By Zoe Tidman, The Independent.

Speaking at yesterday's Downing Street conference, prime minister Boris Johnson said education recovery is the country's "biggest priority". By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Kate Green, Labour's shadow education secretary, has said the Government's catch-up plans "barely scratch the surface of addressing learning loss or ending educational inequality". Tes. Schools Week summarises the Labour Party's priorities for education, as outlined by Ms Green at the Association of School and College Leaders' annual conference. By Freddie Whittaker.

The DfE has sent an email to school leaders stating that staff, pupils and parents should continue to conduct COVID-19 tests at home throughout the Easter holidays. By James Carr, Schools Week.

The Telegraph reports education secretary Gavin Williamson faces a second legal challenge over face mask rules in school. By Camilla Turner.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, and Andy Eyles, from the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, have claimed that the National Tutoring Programme will need to be at least 10 times its current size to reach all disadvantaged children. By Will Hazell, iNews.

The Tutors' Association, an organisation representing approximately 40,000 UK tutors, is calling for a public inquiry into the Government's National Tutoring Programme. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

According to The Telegraph, children could start receiving COVID-19 vaccines from August. By Ben Riley-Smith and Laura Donnelly.

The Guardian explores the impact of the pandemic on outdoor education centres, as providers await news of when they can expect to reopen. By Patrick Barkham.

Louise Simpson, head of Exeter School, writes to The Times in support of an article calling for the return of grant schools. She argues the scheme could help independent schools to become more diverse and inclusive, benefiting "both the schools and the young people involved". The letter is the third featured on the page.

Speaking at an Education Select Committee hearing, Victor Shafiee, Ofsted's deputy director for independent schools, said the watchdog "stands ready" to support the Government in strengthening safeguarding across the independent sector, after allegations of sexual abuse and harassment were published to the Everyone's Invited website. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

The Guardian reports the training of mental health leads in England's schools was halted in January 2020, and has been delayed further as a result of the pandemic. By Sarah Marsh.

The Times has announced it will launch a year-long education commission to consider a wide range of reforms across schools and universities. By Nicola Woolcock.

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