iNews takes a closer look at how schools across the country are reacting to the heatwave this week where temperatures are predicted to reach 40°C. By Serina Sandhu.

Columnist Michael Deacon writes in The Telegraph suggesting that Labour's plan to add VAT to independent school fees would force more pupils into the state sector and would be “a disaster for the poorest in society”. Mr Deacon argues: "State schools are over-stretched as it is. Classes are full to bursting. Budgets are at breaking point. So this abrupt influx of new pupils will leave state schools in even worse shape than they’re in already."

Research carried out by Malcolm James, Jane Kenway and Rebecca Boden focuses on how independent schools acquire, sustain and use their wealth. The Independent.

According to a study by the Education Policy Institute, poorer pupils in England and Wales are “significantly” behind their peers, with the disadvantage gap in England found to be equal to about 23 months of learning, while in Wales it was 29 months. The Guardian.

The former education recovery commissioner, Sir Kevan Collins, has claimed the Government is ‘sticking its head in the sand’ over key issues impacting education, adding: “I’m incredibly disappointed – and there is an anger – because our children and our schools deserve more." By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

Exam board AQA has written to GCSE and A-level markers to apologise for “unanticipated delays” to payments due to “technical defects” in the board’s payments system. By Callum Mason, Tes.

The University of the Arts London (UAL) is launching a pilot scheme where primary schoolchildren will be graded in art as they are in music. UAL said: "The key driver behind this project is to fill a gap created by the reduction of time and investment in art, design and creative learning in schools and to provide a valuable way for children to develop their creative skills outside the classroom.” By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

The University and College Union has claimed that reports of a free speech crisis at English universities is “at odds with evidence”, adding that 19,407 events with external speakers took place across English universities and colleges across 2020-2021, and only 193 were barred from taking place. By Zoe Tidman, The Independent.

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