Almost half of voters do not think independent schools should be exempt from VAT, according to research by social policy think tank Civitas. Around a fifth of adults said they support tax reliefs for independent schools but close to a third were unsure. The research also showed there is significant support for the right of parents to choose independent schools, including among two thirds of Labour voters. Only 15 per cent of respondents said they would like independent schools to be abolished. The research was funded by independent education organisations, including the Independent Schools Council, the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools, the Independent Association of Prep Schools, the Heads’ Conference, the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association and the Society of Heads.

The article also features an interview with Adrian James, an independent school parent and former Labour voter. He claims the policy "smacks of middle-class hatred", adding that he and his wife work three jobs between them to pay for their children's school fees. By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph.

The Daily Mail has also reported on the survey and includes a quote from Andrew Lewer, a member of the House of Commons Education Select Committee, who says that "Labour's plan has serious implications for all schools and for society more broadly". By Kumail Jaffer.

Pupils at independent schools are concerned about the impact of Labour's tax plans, master of Magdalen College School Helen Pike has warned. During a debate on the issue of VAT on school fees, chaired by Sir Anthony Seldon, head of Epsom College, Ms Pike said her pupils were “really frightened about what might happen, particularly if they’re having to leave at A-level where there is a serious lack of places”. By Irena Barker, Independent School Management Plus. 

Fines for unauthorised absences from school in England are due to rise by 33 per cent under government plans to overhaul the way local authorities penalise parents when their children miss school without permission. Under the new rules, the initial penalty notices will be raised from £60 to £80, if paid within 21 days. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

Ministers have also announced that state schools will have to share daily attendance registers with the Department for Education (DfE), councils and trusts, under guidance expected to become statutory in August. Tes also reports that Rob Tarn, CEO of Northern Education Trust, has been named as the DfE's new national attendance ambassador. By Matilda Martin. 

Writing in Schools Week, minister of state for school standards Damian Hinds outlines what the government is doing to tackle persistent school absence. Explaining why absence fines are being raised, Mr Hinds says: "Persistent absence denies [children] the future they could and should have. These new measures will put in place the means to make sure they get it."

“Outdated” resources in schools are having “direct consequences” on teaching and learning, with teachers particularly concerned about inadequate facilities for secondary pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a survey of 900 schools by the British Educational Suppliers Association has found. Less than 20 per cent of schools indicated that their SEND facilities were in a good state of repair and most schools said they would like specialist classrooms or therapy rooms for pupils with SEND, but do not have them. By Jasmine Norden, Tes.

As families across England and Wales prepare to find out if they have been offered their preferred secondary school, The Telegraph advises readers on what they can do if their first choice is rejected and outlines what the appeals process involves. Secondary school admissions will be announced tomorrow. By Louisa Clarence-Smith.

Going to Oxford or Cambridge University increases an individual's salary by more than £15,000, equal to a pay boost of £16,800 five years after graduating, Telegraph analysis of data from the DfE has found. The boost is reportedly far higher for three subjects in particular: computing, law, and business and management. By Ollie Corfe, The Telegraph. 

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