In an article for The Times, writer and editor Magnus Linklater warns that "the whole point" of independent education is being undermined by the VAT on fees policy, with over 37,000 pupils potentially forced to leave the sector, according to government estimates. He notes that 77 schools in England have closed since 2023, with further closures now affecting Scotland. He also highlights that state schools, especially in Scotland, are already struggling, with falling maths and science scores and limited resources. They are, he says, ill-equipped to absorb an influx of independent school pupils. Mr Linklater concludes it is "a lose-lose situation", damaging both sectors and putting pupils last.

Conservative MP Bradley Thomas submitted a written question in the House of Commons, asking the defence secretary what assessment had been made of the potential impact of the VAT on fees policy on combined cadet force (CCF) partnerships between state and independent schools. Responding, the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, said there are currently 45 'junior partnerships' where independent schools support state schools to establish and run their cadet units. He added: "There is no current evidence of impact. Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the cadet experience, the government wants more young people to be able to become cadets. The recently published Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of Cadet Forces across the country by 30 per cent by 2030." Hansard.

Tens of thousands of young teachers and doctors are turning their backs on so-called gold-plated pensions, unable to keep up with the rising contributions. In the past year, over 85,000 professionals from the education and healthcare sectors have opted out of their defined benefit, index-linked pension schemes, which promise a guaranteed income in retirement. Some 75,421 NHS workers opted out of their pension scheme in the 2023-24 financial year, according to a Freedom of Information request obtained by The Times. This represents a 72 per cent increase from the 43,732 who opted out in 2020-21. In the same period, those leaving the Teachers' Pension Scheme increased by 25 per cent from 8,020 to 10,825. By Pieter Snepvangers, The Telegraph. 

Teaching unions have stepped up their opposition to Ofsted’s new report card plans, urging Bridget Phillipson to intervene and delay their introduction until September next year. The leaders of the NEU, NASUWT, ASCL and the NAHT have written a letter expressing "profound concern" about the inspectorate's plan to formally announce the new framework in September before rolling it out in November. They warn the tight timetable "would create wholly unacceptable pressures on schools and their staff". The full letter, sent to Ms Phillipson yesterday, appears immediately after Schools Week's news item. By Lydia Chantler-Hicks.

Young people experiencing difficulties with their speech and language are at increased risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, Speech and Language UK has warned. The charity states that almost half (45 per cent) of all children referred to mental health services are also dealing with significant speech and language challenges. It also reports that a record two million children in the UK are currently experiencing speech and language issues. Ministers say they are working to "ensure thousands more children receive the help they need to overcome challenges with communication" through their Plan for Change. By Kate McGough, BBC News.

In an interview with Independent School Management Plus, Irfan Latif, the newly appointed head of the Royal Hospital School (RHS), reflects on his upbringing and career path into education. A leading voice on diversity and inclusion in the independent sector, Mr Latif helped establish an inclusion group at the Independent Schools Council (ISC) alongside its chief executive, Julie Robinson, following the murder of George Floyd. Now at the helm of RHS, he is guiding the school toward a bold and inclusive future, balancing tradition with innovation. Reflecting on his recent appointment, he says: "We are in deepest, whitest Suffolk, and for me to be the first male person of colour to be running an HMC boarding school speaks volumes about the governors and the proprietors in terms of how they see the school going forward." By Irena Barker.

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