Ministers are reportedly urging the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to make a decision on whether to authorise COVID vaccines for teenagers. By Oliver Wright and Chris Smyth, The Times.

According to The Guardian, a decision on extending the vaccination rollout to 12 to 15-year-olds is expected to be announced imminently, after the JCVI held a long discussion on the issue. By Peter Walker, Nicola Davis, Natalie Grover and Damien Gayle.

The Times reports parents' written consent will be required before their children are given COVID-19 vaccines. By Chris Smyth.

Jane Merrick writes in iNews arguing that "the urgency for vaccines for younger teenagers will be all the greater" should COVID cases rise.

The NASUWT has called on ministers to consider reintroducing self-isolation for pupils in the event of rising case numbers in schools. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Gavin Williamson has said children will not be routinely asked to take lessons outside if their school is affected by COVID-19 outbreaks. By Will Hazell, iNews.

According to The Times, most schools are yet to receive carbon dioxide monitors promised by the Government. By Nicola Woolcock.

The Times' leading article urges the Government to take measures to ensure that "every pupil gets a full academic year of teaching and a chance to make up lost ground".

Jules White, headteacher at Tanbridge House School, writes in The Guardian arguing: "The pandemic has exposed the flaws in our schools system, which will only widen the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children."

iNews reports on a proposal to introduce a new top grade at A-level as part of efforts to tackle grade inflation in England. By Will Hazell.

According to a leaked tender document from Ofqual, teenagers taking their A-levels next year may be awarded as many As and A*s as the class of 2021. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Schools Week reports on board minutes from an Ofqual meeting which suggest the regulators chose not to adapt the majority of exams in this year's autumn series despite acknowledging that "some students could be examined on aspects that they have not been taught". By James Carr.

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, reflects on the ways independent schools have overcome some of the challenges of the past year.

Six British Asian boys have been awarded cricket scholarships to Repton School and Woodhouse Grove School as part of a two-year pilot programme intended to boost the prospects of young players with a south Asian background. The boys were selected by the National Asian Cricket Council, and are funded by Royal SpringBoard in partnership with the schools. By Scyld Berry, The Telegraph.

Fraser Nelson writes in The Spectator arguing books that criticise the independent education sector "are unintentional adverts for the institutions they lambaste".

An editorial piece in The Guardian questions the Government's "levelling up" agenda, arguing more funding for state schools is needed to help tackle inequality.

Research from the Early Intervention Foundation suggests schools can tackle bullying by teaching pupils skills such as anger management, conflict resolution and empathy. By Will Hazell, iNews.

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