A special report in The Telegraph warns that the government's VAT on fees policy poses a serious threat to the talent pipeline feeding into English rugby. With fewer scholarships available and falling school rolls, rugby leaders say the sport’s player base, community ties, and future professional talent could suffer long-term damage. Telegraph Sport spoke to a number of individuals - including England back-rowers Tom and Ben Curry, who both benefited from independent school bursaries - to find out more about the potential impact of the VAT policy. Guy Ayling, headmaster at Mount Kelly and rugby lead for HMC (The Heads’ Conference) tells the paper he sees the tax policy as an "existential threat", adding that "independent schools can be fantastic vehicles for social mobility". Mark Hopley, head of Northampton Saints' academy, oversees a diverse catchment area that includes both independent and selective state schools. He says: "The really good independent schools on our patch have contributed to our success." The article, which mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations, is written by Charlie Morgan, who concludes: "VAT on school fees may not cause English rugby union to collapse, but it certainly seems likely to stretch its fabric and inflict damage in the process." 

Alleyn’s School has announced plans to expand across London for the first time in its 400-year history. Two new branches, in Regent's Park and Hampstead, will be run by Cognita as part of efforts to "reach more pupils". Speaking to The Telegraph, head of Alleyn's Jane Lunnon said: "We are thrilled to be expanding north of the river with the opening of Alleyn’s Regent’s Park and Alleyn’s Hampstead. Both schools already have an incredible energy and commitment to developing the mind and heart of every child with creativity, aspiration and joy." By Poppy Wood. 

In a written question in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP Craig Hoy asked ministers what assessment they have made on the financial impact of the displacement of pupils in Scotland moving from independent to state schools as a result of the VAT on fees policy. Responding, SNP MSP and education minister Jenny Gilruth said: "Local authorities have statutory responsibility for education in their area. Officials have met with education leads within local authorities to understand the impact on the Scottish state sector to date. Scottish government has received assurance from local authorities that they have the capacity to support increased school rolls. Scottish government continues to engage with local authorities and the independent school sector, including the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), to understand the impacts of the UK government policy since its implementation. The independent school sector has conducted its own assessment of financial impact, which is available here." The Scottish Parliament.

At 4.30pm on Monday 3 March, John Lamont MP will open a debate regarding a petition relating to the government's VAT on fees policy and business rates relief for independent schools. MPs from all parties can take part and a government minister will respond. Click here to watch the debate and here to read the debate transcript, which will be available shortly afterwards.

A survey of teachers across the UK has found that the overwhelming majority want specific guidance on how to tackle the rise of online misogyny. Researchers at the University of York warn the popularity of influencers like Andrew Tate has contributed to an increase in misogyny in the classroom, with boys using them "to justify harassment or derogation of women". By Poppy Wood, The Telegraph. 

A study by the Sutton Trust has found that medical schools are lowering entry requirements for disadvantaged students to boost diversity, with many offering "contextual offers" or "gateway" courses. Despite this, the report highlights that independent school pupils remain more likely to receive offers compared to their state school peers. Calling for urgent action to widen access to the medical profession, Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said: "It’s outrageous that working-class kids make up just five per cent of medical students, especially when the NHS is facing a chronic shortage of doctors and a heavy reliance on overseas recruitment." By Poppy Wood, The Telegraph.

Subject experts are urging education secretary Bridget Phillipson to ensure climate change is more thoroughly integrated into the school curriculum. An open letter signed by climate scientists, academics, and education leaders will say that preparing young people for a future impacted by climate change is a critical issue for the government’s curriculum and assessment review. By Mark Gould, Tes. 

A report by children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has highlighted systemic failures in services for 950 young people caught up in the youth justice system. The children's commissioner is calling for schools to become statutory safeguarding partners alongside local authorities, health services, and police. She is also recommending that all school exclusions trigger interventions to address the underlying needs of the child, ensuring they are supported rather than pushed toward the justice system. By Mark Gould, Tes.

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.

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