During a debate in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Gregory Stafford highlighted concerns over the impact of the VAT on fees policy on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in independent schools, where only six per cent of those receiving SEND support have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). Mr Stafford asked: "Will the Minister confirm that the 93,000 children in the independent system who receive SEND support with no formal EHCP are not included in her plans, as the prime minister outlined in June?" He also emphasised the need for government reforms to address funding challenges and highlighted the growing pressure on state special schools, using those in his Farnham and Bordon constituency as examples, due to the exodus of students from the independent sector. Raising concerns concerns over long waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments, which leave many SEND children without essential support and put additional strain on schools, he concluded: "I urge the Minister to address the root causes of the problems in the SEND system, including funding and the decision to tax independent schools. Proper reform of the system, including reform of the EHCP process, would give children a proper educational choice. Without it, we risk what the Public Accounts Committee called a 'lost generation of children'." Hansard.

In a written question in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP Miles Briggs asked the government what discussions it has had with the independent schools sector about the impact of the implementation of VAT on school lunches. Responding, SNP MSP and education minister Jenny Gilruth said: "Scottish government officials have continued to engage with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools and local authorities on the impact of the removal of the VAT exemption for independent school fees on independent schools, their pupils, families and the state sector in Scotland. I am advised that the independent sector has not to date raised school lunches as an issue with Scottish government, however my officials remain open to discussions with the sector on any matters of concern. HMRC wrote to all Scottish independent schools in October 2024 to provide the following UK government guidance on charging and reclaiming VAT on goods, services and payments. This included school meals. As this is a UK government policy, it is the responsibility of the UK government to engage fully and clearly communicate the impacts of changes for Scottish independent schools, to support them through the VAT registration process and ensure they fully understand their new VAT liabilities." The Scottish Parliament.

In a letter to The Telegraph, Alex Hutchinson, headmistress of James Allen’s Girls’ School, acknowledges that Labour’s VAT on fees policy may put pressure on girls’ schools but that it does not spell the “death” of girls-only education. “Girls’ schools were established to combat entrenched inequality and have a track record of great success in promoting environments where there is no such thing as a glass ceiling," she writes. Citing McKinsey research that shows only 81 women are promoted to manager for every 100 men, Ms Hutchinson concludes: “In this climate, there is not only a place for girls’ schools but a fundamental need.” The letter appears above halfway.

The Commons Education Select Committee held its latest session yesterday as part of its ongoing inquiry into addressing the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) crisis. Dr Luke Sibieta, a research fellow at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, warned that the government's commitment to spend £740 million on providing extra specialist places in mainstream schools is unlikely to tackle the main challenges facing the system. Tes outlines key takeaways from the session, including a proposal for a price cap on independent school placements, after MPs questioned the panel of experts about the significantly higher cost of independent school placements for SEND pupils compared to state school provision. Claire Dorer, the chief executive of the National Association of Independent Schools and Non-Maintained Special Schools, said the average cost of independent school placements would include residential costs and therapies, adding that the independent sector was being used for highly specialist provision. By John Roberts.

Denmark is set to ban mobile phones in schools and after-school clubs following a government commission's recommendation, which also advised that children under 13 should not have their own smartphone or tablet. The government announced plans to amend existing legislation to require all comprehensive primary and lower secondary schools to be phone-free, meaning nearly all students aged 7 to 16-17 will be legally prohibited from bringing phones to school. By Miranda Bryant, The Guardian.

The attainment gap between Scotland's richest and poorest schoolchildren increased last year, according to new figures released by the Scottish government. Ministers said closing the gap has been their priority but the new data suggests that the difference has widened for pupils sitting National 4s, National 5s and Highers. Professor Lindsay Paterson, from Edinburgh University, said the closure of schools during the pandemic was one reason for the worsening attainment gap. By Lucy Adams, BBC News.

British universities have been urged to "stress-test" assessments, after a report published by the Higher Education Policy Institute and digital textbook provider Kortext revealed nearly all undergraduates are using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their studies. The research found AI use surged from 66 per cent in 2024 to 92 per cent in 2025, with 88 per cent of students using tools such as ChatGPT for assessments. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, Luke Ramsden looks at how school leaders can use AI to highlight patterns and inform strategic decisions regarding pastoral care. On its numerous possibilities, Mr Ramsden says: "We are only at the very beginning of what AI can do for schools." Luke Ramsden is a senior deputy head in the UK and chair of trustees for the Schools Consent Project.

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