The Times features an article on the reasons why parents are choosing to send their children to independent schools. One parent interviewed speaks of the financial sacrifices she makes to pay for school fees. Reference is made to several ISC statistics; one of which shows that in two-thirds of pupils’ households, both parents work. The article highlights the financial assistance offered by independent schools, and explores the potential impact of Labour's independent school tax plans. Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), is quoted, and several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned. By Tom Calver.

Writing in the Metro, teacher and columnist Nadeine Asbali reflects on the Labour Party's plans to add VAT to school fees. Referencing recent figures from the ISC that revealed almost 60 per cent of parents would certainly or probably withdraw their child from their current school if the initiative went ahead, Ms Asbali speaks of her "dread" at where these students will go and the likely impact on the state sector.

A parent has called for parents of children at independent schools to stop being "unfairly demonised". The mother has spoken of her despair at seeing independent school parents "bashed" for pursuing an independent education for their children, pointing out that not all those who send their kids to such schools are "mega-wealthy". By Zahna Eklund, The Mirror.

In a letter to The Telegraph. Richard Rous criticises Labour's plan to add VAT to school fees, warning that "families would demand state school places, each costing roughly £8,000 a year (and that are unavailable anyway); this alone would cost the Exchequer some hundreds of millions". In a separate letter, Martyn Thomas asks: "What sort of government would seriously harm one of the few jewels in the UK's education system, yet gain no benefit?" Both letters can be found halfway down the page.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has this morning said that an "anti-maths mindset" is holding the economy back, as he announces a review of the subject in England. A body of advisers, including mathematicians and business leaders, is going to consider whether a new maths qualification is necessary and will examine the "core maths content" taught in schools, as Mr Sunak reiterates his ambition to ensure all school pupils in England study some maths until the age of 18. BBC News.

In a live article being updated throughout the day, The Guardian reports on the prime minister's maths proposals, with responses to questions and reactions to the review. It is reported that education secretary Gillian Keegan has expressed her concerns over schools having enough maths teachers to implement the plans. By Andrew Sparrow.

The Times includes a live article with a link to a video of the prime minister's speech in which he said that numeracy is “every bit as essential as reading” and a poor understanding of maths should not be “socially acceptable”. By George Grylls.

New government guidance, which is still being finalised, will tell schools they must inform parents if pupils wanting to change their gender start using a new name or wearing a different uniform. The document is also expected to make clear that pupils who identify as a different gender from their biological sex cannot share changing or shower facilities with the opposite sex. By Harry Yorke, The Sunday Times.

According to The Telegraph, parents have claimed material used in sex education lessons suggests that transitioning gender would stop teenage pupils from getting bullied. The paper reports that staff at education consultancy Chameleon PDE have produced classroom resources telling children as young as 14 that puberty is optional and that there are seven genders. By Benedict Smith.

In the ISC's latest 'Spotlight On' blog, Miles Golland, head of geography and outreach coordinator at Godolphin and Latymer School, explains the origins of the school's Bridge Programme, which helps provide enriching learning opportunities for local Year 5 pupils.

The Telegraph offers guidance to parents who might not have been given their first choice of primary school today. If an application has been unsuccessful, there are a number of options, which include accepting the alternative offer of a school with space, appealing the decision, and considering an independent education instead. By Abigail Buchanan.

Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, has been rolling out a programme aimed at helping comprehensive school pupils apply for Oxbridge. Approximately 72 per cent of students at Cambridge University come from state schools, compared to 68 per cent at Oxford University. BBC News.

According to research shared with The Guardian, a quarter of a million children in the UK with mental health problems have not been given help by the NHS as it struggles to manage rising case loads. The findings also revealed a postcode lottery, with spending per child four times higher in some parts of the country than others. By Rachel Hall.

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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