The Times explores the impact of the government's VAT on fees policy and reports that many independent schools are responding by establishing new branches or merging with prep schools to stay financially viable. Jane Lunnon, the head of Alleyn’s School, talks to the paper about the opening of Alleyn's two new schools, which will be in Regent's Park and Hampstead. She says: "There won’t be an independent school head in this country for whom this hasn’t been a matter of real focus and strategic thought. If you’re lucky enough to be in a position where there are opportunities to lean into that environment, then that obviously is what you’re going to do." Overseeing strategic development at Radley College is warden John Moule, who describes VAT as "a catalyst for change to the sector". Mr Moule adds: "We’re positive about what we’re doing. We want to make sure the sector stays strong. Being more involved in prep schools gives us more expertise in that sector and we’ve got a lot to learn." Several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned. By Nicola Woolcock.

Nearly every primary school headteacher has reported they are unable to meet the needs of all their pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), amid concerns over the impact of the VAT on fees policy. The NAHT's snap poll of 750 heads in the mainstream primary state sector found that 98 per cent lack the resources to support every child with SEND. Four in five headteachers (82 per cent) also said they are placing pupils with SEND in mainstream classes due to a lack of available spaces in specialist provision. By Eleanor Harding, Daily Mail. 

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, headteacher Gareth Jones reflects on the impact that VAT on fees has had on his school, Bilton Grange. Expressing relief that the school is not facing closure, he urges colleagues not to be complacent amid the financial pressures facing the independent sector. Criticising the government's "punitive" decision to tax school fees, Mr Jones adds: "No consultation with the independent sector took place. And the human cost was never thought about." 

iNews shares an account from a middle-class family struggling to stay afloat financially, despite earning over £100,000 a year. Writing anonymously, the author outlines how rising taxes, surging living costs, and the government’s VAT on independent school fees have drastically reduced their disposable income—leaving just £1.68 in their joint account by the end of the month. As a result of the VAT policy, the family has been forced to withdraw one child from independent school and abandon plans to send their youngest. "It’s impossible to save," the author reflects, "I dread an unexpected bill." 

In a written question in the House of Commons, shadow education minister Neil O'Brien asked the education secretary to name the state and independent schools Department for Education (DfE) ministers have visited since 4 July 2024. Responding, schools minister Stephen Morgan listed the schools visited, of which 68 are state and one is independent. Hansard.

Teenagers sitting their GCSEs this summer are the most affected by the pandemic of any year group at secondary school, a survey of state and independent schools by online payment system ParentPay is expected to reveal. Coinciding with the start of GCSEs this week, the report will say that current Year 11 pupils, who missed the final months of primary school and significant parts of their first year at secondary school, have gaps in their learning and difficulties with focus, mental health, and behaviour. Almost a quarter of respondents (24 per cent) said their Year 11 cohort was the most impacted by pandemic-related learning gaps. Speaking to The Sunday Times, head of Reigate Grammar School Shaun Fenton said he and his staff had placed "a much bigger focus on mental health and wellbeing" for their GCSE pupils, who had experienced a disrupted start to secondary school. By Louise Eccles.

Girls and students from disadvantaged secondary schools will be given priority for new government support aimed at encouraging them to study maths and pursue careers in artificial intelligence (AI), Bridget Phillipson has announced. With the aim of "breaking down barriers to opportunity", ministers have unveiled approximately £8.2 million in funding as part of the advanced maths support programme commencing this September, which will be targeted towards 400 disadvantaged secondary schools. According to the government, 7,500 girls will be eligible for support through the funding, which will cover student enrichment courses and pilot teacher training programmes. By Caitlin Doherty, The Independent. 

A Schools Week investigation has looked into cuts being made to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) funding, with enrichment schemes and transport cited as two areas at risk. The paper found that 60 councils with education responsibilities are aiming to reduce transport costs by at least £100,000 this year, while 10 councils are planning to increase the cost of traded services to schools to boost income. Baroness Longfield, executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives think tank, said declines in funding for wider services, especially on early intervention, mean schools are "increasingly being left to pick up the pieces and the most vulnerable children are forced to bear the brunt". By Chaminda Jayanetti.

The NAHT has launched legal action against Ofsted over the potential impact of its inspection proposals on the mental health of headteachers and school staff. On Friday, the school leaders' union issued a claim at the High Court for judicial review, saying adequate consultation had not been conducted on the inspectorate's report card plans. It added that Ofsted’s proposals involve an increased number of graded sub-judgments, which school leaders fear will increase high-stakes accountability and pressure. The Telegraph.

The Sunday Times talks to Bethany Clarke, who is campaigning to have the dangers of bootleg alcohol taught in schools after her best friend Simone White was killed by methanol poisoning. The pair were together on a two-week backpacking trip to Cambodia and Laos in November when Ms White died, and the paper notes that at least 270 people have died globally of methanol poisoning since the incident. Last month, Ms Clarke launched a petition to add the dangers of methanol poisoning to the school curriculum, which has nearly 3,000 signatures so far. By Hugo Daniel.

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