Gillian Keegan will today launch a consultation on scrapping the limit on faith-based admissions in England, which currently prevents free schools and academies from selecting more than half of their pupils on the grounds of religion. The Telegraph reports that the Catholic Church, which has long opposed the restriction, is poised to open more schools amid the change in policy. By Louisa Clarence-Smith.

Ministers have said today’s consultation will also explore “how to improve provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by opening special faith-based academies”. Proposed schools will still need to follow a “rigorous process” to open. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Anne Longfield has warned that children excluded from schools are being “served up on a conveyor belt” to gangs, and has called on the government to make child criminal exploitation an "ultimate priority". Addressing The Times Crime and Justice Commission, the former children's commissioner added that gangs have also been recruiting middle-class children in order to sell drugs in more affluent areas. By Ben Ellery, The Times. 

The Guardian is asking readers to share their experiences of living near an independent school, specifically in reference to the sharing of facilities. The paper is also keen to hear from parents of children involved in state-independent school partnerships. Please complete the community team's form (half-way down the page) if you are interested in taking part.

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