School leaders have rejected proposals to make pupils in England learn up to 1,700 frequently used words as part of government reforms to French, German and Spanish GCSEs. Exam boards and organisations, including the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), have warned that the reforms will not “inject new life” into the study of modern languages. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

New research by the University College London Institute of Education has revealed that primary school children who are placed in the bottom ability group in their class go on to show increased levels of hyperactivity and emotional problems throughout childhood and early adolescence. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

More than 120 headteachers joined a Teachers Like Me conference, calling for more ethnically diverse staff rooms and more black, Asian and minority ethnic staff in leadership positions. Headmaster at Francis Holland School, Charles Fillingham, said: "This event shows that schools are determined to play their part in building a more inclusive society without barriers." By James Higgins, Independent Education Today.

Robin Walker, the schools minister, has said he wants to see as many nativity plays go ahead as possible despite schools in areas with high COVID rates being urged by local public health officials to consider moving shows online. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

School leaders have raised concerns over CO2 monitors provided by the Department for Education (DfE), claiming they are having no impact. Classroom carbon dioxide levels are reportedly up to three times higher than recommended by the Health and Safety Executive despite schools following guidance to increase ventilation. By James Carr, Schools Week.

The Department for Education (DfE) is set to send "attendance advisers" to local authorities and schools with high rates of persistent absence in a bid to reduce the number of pupils missing school. By James Carr, Schools Week.

Girls in Scottish secondary schools have refused to use gender-neutral toilets due to boys’ bad behaviour. By David McCann, The Times.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has questioned whether the Government's Kickstart scheme is creating quality job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds. Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said the organisation "has limited assurance that Kickstart is having the positive impact intended". BBC News.

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