Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has an article published in CapX warning that universities could be next to be targeted under Labour's tax plans. Mr Lenon says that, given some of their similarities with independent schools, "universities with an eye on their long-term prospects should be concerned about this".

The Guardian has published three letters from individuals responding to Labour's tax plans for independent schools. One warns of the significant pressure the policy will put on the state sector, saying: "Glib assurances are given about how easily the maintained sector will accommodate children whose parents will no longer be able to afford the fees."

Libby Nicholas, managing director of Dukes Education, writes in iNews warning that Labour's plan to add VAT to independent school fees might be a political vote-winner but risks hurting pupils. Ms Nicholas explains that, having worked in both education sectors, she can see both sides of the debate but that "independent schools versus state schools is a false narrative that undermines efforts to drive educational standards across the board". 

iNews also features an opinion piece written by an anonymous secondary school teacher who warns that many schools in the state sector are "on the brink of collapse" and that Labour's plan to quickly impose VAT on independent school fees "would provide state schools with a life-saving cash injection to get them back on their feet". 

The Daily Mail includes a lengthy feature on the cross-sector partnership work taking place at schools across the country. One of the schools featured is Oundle School, whose formal collaboration 'The Open Learning Partnership' involves a number of state schools in the area. The school's deputy head of outreach and partnerships, Gordon Montgomery, is quoted. Senior deputy head at The King's School, Canterbury Liz Worthington is also interviewed about her school's partnership activity and the potential impact that Labour's tax plans could have. Ms Worthington warns: "If VAT was imposed on school fees, we, like every other school, would have to review the extent to which we could sustain all these programmes." By Beth Hale.

Lee Elliot Major has called for schools in England to do more to challenge unconscious bias in schools against pupils from working-class backgrounds. In his new book, the UK's first professor of social mobility says he would like children to be taught about working-class achievement, with lessons featuring figures such as Stormzy to help level the education playing field. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued guidance to schools targeted by malicious emails, with the first step being to alert the police and local authority immediately. By Jasmine Norden, Tes.

Professor Irene Tracey, Oxford University’s vice-chancellor, has condemned abuse of transgender students and said that the university should have done more to support them. In her first annual oration to the university after being appointed, Professor Tracey said she would like there to be more women professors and called for a "culture of tolerance". By Nicola Woolcock, The Times. 

English teacher Hannah Grace writes in Tes with advice on how to encourage teenage boys to read for pleasure.

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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