The UK inflation rate jumped to three per cent in January, from 2.5% in December, in part due to the introduction of VAT on independent school fees. According to the Office for National Statistics, fees rose by about 13 per cent following the tax change on 1 January. Rising food prices and the cost of airfares also contributed to the higher-than-expected inflation spike, and climbing energy bills are also set to push up the cost of living for households. By Michael Race, BBC News. 

Writing to The Times, principal of Stamford School Mark Steed argues: "Schools need to prepare pupils for a fast-changing world that values adaptability and flexibility." He says this will involve a move towards teaching pupils how to learn and how to access and evaluate information. Mr Steed adds that schools need to teach what it means to show empathy, to collaborate, and to foster creativity. Concluding the letter, he writes: "Above all, schools need to be communities where young people can come together to find a sense of belonging: attendance will follow."

In a separate letter, Gareth Parker-Jones, headmaster of Rugby School, reflects on the reasons why going to school is important. He writes: "The main reason for turning up every day is to learn. Learning is effortful. We need to stop patronising children and their parents by suggesting it's anything else." He continues: "Making an effort, in any area of life, usually brings rewards. School is a good place to start." Both letters can be found towards the top of the page. 

Three quarters of leaders feel there is insufficient expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) in their schools or trusts, according to a poll carried out by law firm Browne Jacobson. The survey polled more than 200 leaders, including CEOs; executive headteachers; trustees and governors; representing around 1,650. Only 54 per cent of respondents said they believe their organisation is ready to implement AI effectively, and just nine per cent said they have an agreed AI strategy. By Cerys Turner, Tes. 

Katharine Birbalsingh, head of Michaela Community School, has criticised the government's proposal to use AI for computerised learning tests in schools, saying: "The reason why our children are so literate and so articulate is because they do loads of reading and writing in the classroom. If you're on a screen, you're just not going to learn as much... that is devastating for kids that come from more challenging backgrounds." By Max Stephens, The Telegraph. 

More than half of councils will become insolvent when a "statutory override" on their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deficits expires next year, according to a survey by the Local Government Association. Ministers are facing growing calls to write off high needs budget deficits, which the Department for Education estimates will total £4.6 billion by 2026. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week. 

A new study backed by the government will track the long-term effects of vaping on 100,000 young people, collecting health data and monitoring their wellbeing and other behaviours over the course of 10 years. The government is also launching a YouTube and Instagram campaign called Love Your Lungs to warn teenagers of the dangers of vaping. Commenting on the initiatives, public health minister Ashley Dalton said: "This landmark series of studies, combined with our first nationwide youth vaping campaign, will help drive evidence-based, decisive action to protect our children's future." Sky News.

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