In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, co-head of the National Education Union (NEU) Dr Mary Bousted said the government is refusing to enter negotiations to resolve the pay dispute as teachers in England and Northern Ireland begin a fifth day of strikes today. Apologising to parents affected by the industrial action, Dr Bousted explained that strike exemptions are in place for vulnerable children and those in Years 6, 11, and 13 preparing for exams. By Alexandra Topping, The Guardian.

iNews provides a full list of dates for the forthcoming NEU strikes and where schools will be closed in the UK. By Poppy Wood.

MPs are set to proceed with with plans allowing schools rated ‘requires improvement’ and ‘inadequate’ to claim funding to manage “significant declines” in pupil numbers. The expansion will apply from September 2024 and schools will need to demonstrate that places will be required within five years in order to qualify for the funding. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Officials from the Department for Education (DfE) have warned that headteachers fearing “bankruptcy” in light of financial pressure should use government cost-cutters or approach its funding agency or their local council for assistance. Graham Archer and Tom Goldman, from the DfE, led a webinar about the funding cycle and teacher pay yesterday. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

In the ISC's latest 'Spotlight On' blog, Kwasi Agyei-Owusu, partnership teaching coordinator at Highgate School, details how mock interviews at the school are helping students to prepare for university applications and grow in confidence.

Independent School Management Plus features an interview with Geoffrey Stanford, the headteacher at Royal Grammar School Newcastle which was named North East Independent School of the Decade in 2021. On the key area of partnership work, Mr Stanford says the school's governors are “absolutely committed” to its impact and are striving to boost educational aspiration and attainment in the region as a whole. By Irena Barker.

The Times reports university degrees in Scotland would be cut to three years as standard as part of a Conservative plan to lift the cap on Scottish students. This will be the main announcement at the party's conference, which starts tomorrow in Glasgow. By Kieran Andrews.

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