The Welsh Parliament voted yesterday to end charitable business rates relief for independent schools. From next month, independent schools in Wales will no longer be eligible for charitable relief although an exception will be introduced for independent special schools. Currently, 17 of the 83 independent schools in Wales receive charitable relief. Shadow education secretary Natasha Asghar accused the Labour Welsh government of "another attack" on independent schools. She told the Senedd: "Not content with enforcing VAT on private independent schools, and implementing a hugely damaging national insurance hike, Labour now wants to take away the 80 per cent business rate relief for charity-run private schools. Independent schools are being punished by Labour’s triple whammy on higher taxes." By Chris Haines, Wales Online.

Before voting, ministers debated the policy, which was defended by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford. He argued that it ensures public funds are used fairly and benefit all young people. Criticising Labour's decision, Ms Asghar warned: "Removing charitable status from independent schools may seem like a quick fix, but it risks creating more problems than it actually solves. It could lead to fewer options for parents, increased costs for families, and, more importantly, it risks shifting the focus away from the real issue, which is improving education for all children, regardless of their background." Heledd Fychan (Plaid Cymru) welcomed the regulations and confirmed her party's support of them. A total of 42 votes were cast in favour of the motion, with 16 against and no abstentions. A full transcript of the debate on the Non-Domestic Rating (Withdrawal of Charitable Relief for Independent Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025 is available here. 

More than a thousand complaints were made following Ofsted school inspections in England over the last three years, according to figures released by the inspectorate in response to a freedom of information request. The data shows 1,018 complaints were sent to Ofsted following school inspections in England between the 2021-22 and 2023-24 academic years, including 397 last year. This represents a 60 per cent increase in complaints over the period, rising from 248 in 2021-22. Tes.

Schools are telling pupils to download apps for schoolwork despite concerns over allowing smartphones in the classroom, a survey has found. Almost two thirds of secondary school children questioned by charity Parentkind said teachers ask them to use apps for assignments, while more than a fifth said they are regularly made to use smartphones during class. Many schools now encourage students to use apps tailored for school communication and lesson enhancement, such as Kahoot!, an AI-powered quiz platform. However, experts have warned that permitting smartphones in lessons could normalise their use throughout the school day, raising concerns about potential risks. By Poppy Wood, The Telegraph.

England’s chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty is to investigate whether under-16s should be banned from using social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram. Sir Chris will be asked by ministers to draw up advice for parents and children on the potential risks and harms posed to young children online. Ministers will then decide whether the digital “age of consent”, which allows 13-year-olds and above to sign up for social media platforms, should be raised. The commitments are expected to be made tomorrow after negotiations between the government and a backbench Labour MP over a private members’ bill. By Aubrey Allegretti and Mark Sellman, The Times. 

Children across the country are celebrating World Book Day by dressing up as their favourite literary characters. First started in 1995, the annual event has become one of the most exciting days for pupils across the UK and Ireland. Its aim is to encourage children to read by celebrating authors and illustrators, instilling a love for books. The Daily Mail features photos of children dressed in various costumes, including popular characters Harry Potter and Mildred Hubble from the Worst Witch. By Maria Chiorando.

Labour ministers have pledged to increase the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools in England. Tes explores what England could learn from Scotland, where inclusive education has been a long-established practice. The article highlights the cost of independent special school placements, with fees ranging from £70,000 to £180,000 annually based on figures from Fife and Edinburgh councils. It also notes that the tribunal process, particularly for independent placements, is also expensive. By Emma Seith.

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