Schools in England could lose up to £1 billion in funding by 2030 amid falling numbers of pupils on roll, according to the Education Policy Institute. The drop in pupil numbers is said to be the result of a declining birth rate and migration patterns. By Sally Weale, The Guardian. 

The Cass review, published on Wednesday, suggests that doctors and psychologists should not be criminalised for exploring a child's gender distress, amid concerns that a ban on conversion therapy could lead to unintended consequences. The report states: "Exploration of these issues is essential to provide diagnosis, clinical support and appropriate intervention." By James Beal and Steven Swinford, The Times. 

New survey findings suggest nearly a fifth of teenagers are turning to the internet as their main source of information about sexual health and healthy relationships. The Sex Education Forum charity, which carried out the research, has warned that young people are vulnerable to potentially "dangerous" and "untrustworthy" sources owing to a lack of information at school. By Eleanor Harding, Daily Mail. 

Sir Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, has called for friendship to be added to the school curriculum, citing scientific evidence linking loneliness to illness and a shorter lifespan. The Telegraph. 

Preschool children who live near green spaces may have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who do not, according to a study conducted in the US. The researchers said their findings indicate that green initiatives have the potential to reduce the risk of early emotional issues in children. By Nilima Marshall, The Independent. 

The Scout Association has been awarded a contract to provide 40,000 "explorers" - those aged 14 to 18-years-old - with the "skills and knowledge they need to consider pursuing a career in teaching". The scheme, devised by the Department for Education (DfE), is designed to boost flagging recruitment by "inspiring the next generation of teachers". By Lucas Cumiskey, Schools Week. 

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.