The Telegraph takes a closer look at how sanctions against Russian oligarchs could affect British independent schools after they were told not to accept fees or donations from Russian clients on sanction lists, or from banks subject to an asset freeze. By Helen Cahill.

MPs and campaigners have raised concerns that measures to stop Vladimir Putin’s allies sending children to UK independent schools and universities will be undermined by “glaring loopholes” in legislation. By Rob Merrick, The Independent. The article references the Independent Schools Council (ISC).

Colin Bell, CEO of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), has asked the prime minister for assurances that Ukrainian members of staff at the British International School Ukraine will face “no barrier” to entering the UK. Mr Bell has also expressed his concern for the 700 pupils enrolled at the school, which has three campuses in Kyiv and Dnipro. By Irena Barker, Independent School Management Plus.

Writing for BBC News, Vibeke Venema explores how Ukrainian parents are talking to their children about war.

Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, has published a new code of practice which says that no university should use unconditional offers that force students to make it their firm choice. The new code, which is voluntary, states that admissions practices must be fair, transparent and in the best interests of applicants. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

The Times features a piece on Gavin Horgan, the head of Millfield School, who explains how the school has developed a programme to train teachers as sports coaches. Mr Horgan, who wants to introduce the programme nationally at state schools, says that combining sport and physical education can help children to “learn commitment, focus and to cope with pressure”. By Nicola Woolcock.

According to a report by the charity Women in Sport, more than a million girls who describe themselves as “sporty” lose interest in exercise after they leave primary school “as a consequence of deep-rooted gender stereotypes”. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Is your school involved in any projects designed to encourage more girls to participate in sports? If you would like to write a blog on the subject, please email emily.roberts@isc.co.uk for more details.

New figures have revealed that a third of primary schools have yet to sign up to the Government's £17 million early years language COVID catch-up scheme designed for Reception-age children. By Callum Mason, Tes.

According to Schools Week, the Department for Education (DfE) has told has told maintained schools to consider saving some of the extra funding they receive next year to meet the “significant” costs of future staff pay rises. By Freddie Whittaker.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.

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