Writing in Tes, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson explains what is at the heart of independent-state school partnerships and outlines the benefits of working together, from sharing facilities to governance expertise. Ms Robinson says that despite the financial challenges schools are facing, including the proposed policy to add VAT to school fees, those involved in partnership work "don't see it as a tick-box exercise or a nice-to-have; for them, it is an essential part of who they are and what they do". She adds: "Numerous heads have told me that partnerships would be the absolute last thing they would consider as part of cost-cutting initiatives."

In the first ISC blog to mark this year's Partnerships Week, Mark Turner and Caroline Hulme-Mckibbin, of King’s House School and Kensington Prep School respectively, describe how they have been working in partnership with The School & Family Works to support families whose children are struggling at school.

Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s School, has a letter published in today's Times in which she echoes the remarks of GSA CEO Donna Stevens, who has called for children to be at the heart of the single-sex school debate. Ms Gandee says "research shows that girls educated in girls’ schools have just as much self-confidence as boys, bucking national trends". On some of the further benefits of educating girls at single-sex schools, Ms Gandee adds: "Girls’ schools can play a vital role in developing resilient young women who are ready to play a full part in areas where women are still under-represented such as AI, engineering and politics." The letter can be found a quarter of the way down the page. 

Government guidance is expected to state that teachers and pupils will not be obliged to address children who wish to change their gender identity by their chosen pronoun. The new guidance will advise schools that pupils can socially transition with the consent of their parents, meaning they can choose another name or pronoun and wear the uniform of the opposite sex. By Steven Swinford and Aubrey Allegretti, The Times. 

Every child could have a robot for a personal tutor in the future under plans to make the use of artificial intelligence (AI) widespread across schools in Britain, according to Rishi Sunak. Addressing a global investment summit yesterday, the prime minister said AI could deliver the “holy grail” of education policy and has the potential to “transform outcomes” for millions of pupils by giving extra lessons to those most in need. By Nick Gutteridge, The Telegraph.

A government report seen by the BBC has revealed that teachers are using AI to save time by "automating tasks". Making handouts and writing emails to parents have been cited as popular uses, with a "small number" saying they used it for grading and feedback. By Hazel Shearing.

The number of international candidates applying to initial teacher training (ITT) providers has risen by more than 300 per cent year-on-year, according to data published by the Department for Education (DfE). The figures, which cover countries outside the European Economic Area, come at a time of significant teacher shortages, with many school leaders warning they cannot fill the rising number of vacancies. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

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