In the House of Commons, Louie French, shadow minister for culture, media and sport, submitted two questions relating to the government's VAT on fees policy. In the first, he asked what data the chancellor holds on the number of pupils that have left the independent school sector following the introduction of the tax policy and the removal of business rates charitable relief from independent schools. In his second question, Mr French asked if the chancellor will undertake an updated impact assessment on this.

Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, provided the same answer to both questions, stating: "The government conducted thorough and detailed analysis of the impacts of the VAT policy and at autumn Budget 2024 published a Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) which sets out this analysis. This is a comprehensive assessment of the impacts on individuals and families, businesses and the wider economy, as well as equalities impacts." Mr Tomlinson added that the information is available online here, and noted that the government’s analysis of the expected impact of removing charitable rate relief from independent schools in England is also accessible here. Hansard.

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England is at risk of "total collapse", with ministers warned not to keep "ducking" reforms, according to the County Councils Network. Representing some of the country’s largest local authorities, the organisation predicts councils’ deficits could reach £4.4 billion annually by 2029 as they struggle to meet rising demand. BBC News explores the issue of SEND reform and reports that the number of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) continues to climb, with 638,745 EHCPs in place in January 2025, up 10.8 per cent at the same time last year. The broadcaster speaks to Amanda Quick, whose 12-year-old son has ADHD and autism. Ms Quick describes the long struggle she has faced in securing support from her local authority in Somerset. "My mental health took a hit," she explains. By Georgia Roberts and Alex Forsyth.

Writing in Tes, Matt Topliss, principal at Kyoto International School in Japan, says that sending weekly video updates is a personal and effective way to reach out to parents and it takes less effort than many expect. "Through connecting these initiatives in weekly videos, parents feel part of a shared educational journey rather than observers on the sidelines," he explains. 

In the latest ISC blog, Natalie Humphrys from Bute House Preparatory School for Girls explains how an innovative partnership programme is fostering resilience, connection and self-awareness among men and boys.

More than a third of teachers who lead enrichment clubs do so outside of directed time and without pay, a Teacher Tapp survey has found, raising questions about how schools will meet ministers' new enrichment expectations. Commissioned by Tes, the poll reveals that only half of teachers would be willing to run an additional lunchtime or before- or after-school club without extra pay. The findings come as the government prepares to introduce "enrichment benchmarks" before Christmas, which Ofsted will take into account from 2026. Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, told the paper there has been "very little detail" on how the new entitlement will be staffed or funded. By Jabed Ahmed.

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