isc logo  

Daily News Summary
30 March 2023

Gillian Keegan issues plea to school leaders in bid to resolve pay dispute
Education secretary hails AI tools as "gamechangers" for schools
Seven in 10 schools failing to tell families when pupils question or change identity, survey suggests
Exploring the merits of single-sex schools and co-education
Jenny Gilruth named Scotland's new education secretary
Return of performance tables for Key Stage 2 SATs is "wrong", say primary school leaders
Spotlight On: The Hale Lecture Series at Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park

Gillian Keegan issues plea to school leaders in bid to resolve pay dispute

 

In an email issued to school leaders last night, education secretary Gillian Keegan outlined how the Government's new pay offer will be funded and told headteachers it is “critical” that the dispute with teachers is resolved. In her message, shared with Tes, Ms Keegan said she knows heads care "deeply" about pupils, whether or not they have taken part in strike action. By Matilda Martin and Callum Mason.

 
Tes

Education secretary hails AI tools as "gamechangers" for schools

 

Speaking yesterday ahead of the Government’s publication of a white paper on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Gillian Keegan said the technology will have “the power to transform day-to-day work” for both teachers and pupils, but warned that more needs to be done to tackle potential risks such as cheating. By Poppy Wood, iNews.

Tes outlines four key need-to-knows from the white paper, which urges schools to check their homework policies in response to the increasing popularity of AI platforms. By Callum Mason.

 

Seven in 10 schools failing to tell families when pupils question or change identity, survey suggests

 

According to research by Policy Exchange, schools are routinely allowing children to switch gender and not telling their parents in a “mass breach” of safeguarding. The think tank's report, published today, claims schools are uncritically accepting contested beliefs on gender identity and says they are 'neglecting safeguarding' by adopting affirmative practices when faced with pupils confused about their gender identity. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

 
The Times

Exploring the merits of single-sex schools and co-education

 

In light of the news that Westminster School is to admit girls to all year groups, Harry de Quetteville speaks to a number of education experts about what the future could look like for single-sex and co-ed schools. Reference is made to the Girls' Schools Association (GSA), the Independent Schools Council (ISC), and several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations. Sir Anthony Seldon, head at Epsom College, is quoted, saying "there’s a relentless march toward co-ed". The Telegraph.

 
The Telegraph

Jenny Gilruth named Scotland's new education secretary

 

Jenny Gilruth, a former principal teacher of social subjects, has been named Scotland’s new education secretary following new first minister Humza Yousaf's cabinet reshuffle. Ms Gilruth replaces Shirley-Anne Somerville, who moves to become social justice secretary. By Henry Hepburn, Tes.

 
Tes

Return of performance tables for Key Stage 2 SATs is "wrong", say primary school leaders

 

School leaders have told Tes the return of primary school performance tables for Key Stage 2 SATs tests is “wrong” and should be delayed so that schools can manage pupils' post-pandemic recovery without being under the pressure of such accountability. The warnings coincide with a report published today by campaign group More Than A Score, which suggests that only three per cent of school leaders believe Year 6 SATs results are the best measure of primary school standards. By Matilda Martin.

 
Tes

Spotlight On: The Hale Lecture Series at Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park

 

In the ISC's latest 'Spotlight On' blog, Kristina Lewis, assistant head (teaching and learning) at Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park, reflects on the success of the school’s student-led lecture series, which features numerous high-profile speakers.

 
ISC

 

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.

Sign-up to the email service is available on our website.

Members can contact the ISC if they know in advance of news, letters or opinions that are likely to feature in the media, or are aware of existing coverage which they would like to see featured in the DNS.

Headlines and first-line summaries are written by the ISC with the link directing to the source material. You should read and comply with the terms and conditions of the websites to which we link.