Teaching unions have privately warned that plans by the Labour Party to impose VAT on school fees could result in some independent sector teachers losing their jobs and schools downgrading their Teacher Pension Scheme (TPS) offer, according to The Telegraph. The paper understands that education unions have held private meetings with party officials in which they have flagged concerns about what the policy may mean for their members working in independent schools. By Will Hazell. The story has also been covered by Harriet Line in the Daily Mail.

The Financial Times considers house prices near independent and state schools, and the 'stark' impact of school fees on mortgage affordability. Reference is made to a recent Independent Schools Council (ISC) survey, which found that a fifth of parents said they would have to withdraw a child from their independent school if VAT was added to fees. The article features interviews with a number of parents with children at independent schools who are concerned about the impact of Labour's tax policy. By Alexandra Goss.

The Sunday Telegraph explores a "wider change" in how independent schools across the country are funded, with an increasing number seeking backing from private investors. The article reports the financing models of independent schools could change further if Labour wins the next general election. Principal of Thomas's Battersea Ben Thomas is quoted, in light of the school bringing in the support of a financial partner. An accompanying graph indicates how much fees could rise if Labour's tax plans come into effect. By Simon Foy. 

According to the Daily Record, Holyrood will receive £150 million if Labour wins the next general election and imposes VAT on independent school fees. The shadow secretary of state for Scotland, Ian Murray, said the extra money would be spent on raising standards south of the border, but Holyrood would automatically get some of the funds through the Barnett formula. By Paul Hutcheon.

A former diocesan director of education and independent school governor writes to The Times arguing it is "perverse" to link the taxing of independent school fees to the need for more state school funding.

Writing to The Telegraph, a reader suggests it would "be better to focus on raising the standard of state schools, rather than attacking independent ones for providing the standard that parents want". 

Both letters can be found halfway down the page.

The Telegraph reports Brampton Manor Academy has climbed to the top of the newspaper's Oxbridge league table, receiving 89 offers from the universities. It is believed to be the first time a state school has secured more Oxbridge offers than any independent school. By Louisa Clarence-Smith and Ben Butcher. 

NHS therapy is to be offered in every school under plans to address a surge in mental health problems that has left thousands of children too anxious to attend class. The specialist support is seen as vital in reversing an alarming drop in school attendance rates. By Eleanor Hayward, The Times. 

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, columnist Jane Shilling considers the popularity of classical subjects such as Latin at both state and independent schools. Ms Shilling addressed historian Tom Holland's recent claim that lessons on the subjects are no longer necessary given the amount of online resources available, saying: "The Romans may have happened a long time ago, but they still have important lessons to teach us."

Cottesmore School has worked with an artificial intelligence (AI) developer to create a robot to support headmaster Tom Rogerson in his duties. The robot, named Abigail Bailey, will take on the role of 'principal headteacher' at the school. Mr Rogerson said: "It doesn't mean you don't ever also seek counsel from humans. Of course you do. It's just very calming and reassuring knowing that you don't have to call anybody up, bother someone, you don't have to wait around for an answer." By Chris Brooke, Daily Mail.

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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