The Times reports that headteachers have accused the Government of being 'naive' in its guidance, which suggests schools remain open during the strikes. Some heads have told the paper that up to two thirds of their workforce belong to the National Education Union (NEU) and as such they may have to 'close entirely' during industrial action. By Nicola Woolcock and Emma Yeomans.

Teachers whose unions failed to reach the turnout threshold for strike action have said they would make last-minute applications to join the National Education Union (NEU), which responded yesterday by issuing guidance on how they could sign up. As long as new members join before the first day of industrial action on 1 February, they could still participate in the first nationwide teachers’ strike for 15 years. By Poppy Wood, iNews.

Tes considers 'everything you need to know' about the teacher strikes set to take place in England and Wales from next month. The proposed dates of industrial action are listed, and questions such as 'can headteachers ask staff if they belong to a union or if they intend to strike?' are addressed. By Dan Worth and Gráinne Hallahan.

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, Chris Barnes, a former independent school teacher, argues that rather than 'material perks', teachers are in need of 'flexibility and trust'. "The communities that our schools serve are now working in a very different way and our model of employment and working needs rethinking", he says.

Staff across 150 UK universities will strike on 1 February, the University and College Union (UCU) has announced, after it said that last week's pay offer worth four to five per cent was insufficient. By Hazel Shearing, BBC News.

Richard Cairns, the headmaster of Brighton College, has suggested the Government should give universities a fixed quota of around "25 or 20 per cent" for disadvantaged students, along with a clear definition of the meaning of "disadvantaged" based on eligibility for free school meals. Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Cairns said the criteria "should be ‘disadvantaged’ versus ‘advantaged’, rather than ‘state’ versus ‘independent’.” By Louisa Clarence-Smith.

In a letter to The Times, Gareth Parker-Jones, headmaster of Rugby School, argues that the most "glaring flaw" in the university entrance system is that students apply before receiving their grades. Calling for extensive reform to the admissions process and not just the personal statement, Mr Parker-Jones says "now is the time to make bold changes to our approach to education, rather than tinkering at the margins".

Kemi Badenoch, the equalities minister, is expected to write to all Conservative ministers insisting that proposed legislation to ban transgender conversion therapy must not "inadvertently criminalise parents". Ms Badenoch will reportedly warn that 'legitimate conversations between parents and trans children must not be outlawed and that freedom of religion must be protected'. By Daniel Martin, The Telegraph.

According to The Guardian, ministers appear to have dismissed Gillian Keegan's comments suggesting age 16 is old enough for people to choose their gender. A spokesperson for the prime minister said that "rather than focusing on the single issue of age, this is about the legislation having an adverse impact on equality legislation as a whole". By Jessica Elgot and Libby Brooks.

A parliamentary inquiry into the Office for Students (OfS) is being sought by the Russell Group of universities. The OfS was established five years ago to regulate the higher education sector, working in the interests of present and future students, but the group wants ministers to look at whether its remit is being fulfilled. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

In an interview with Tes, Dr Steven Berryman, the new president of the Chartered College of Teaching (CCT), explains why he would like all teachers to embrace the benefits of sharing their expertise. Referencing the CCT's unifying approach, Mr Berryman points to "the power of research-informed teaching and the professional standing this gives those in the classroom", which, he says, "really drives the organisation". By Dan Worth.

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