University tuition fees in England will go up every year in line with inflation from 2026 onwards, Bridget Phillipson has said. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the education secretary confirmed the increase for the next two years, and pledged to introduce legislation ensuring its automatic implementation each year thereafter. Maintenance loans will also increase yearly in line with inflation. Universities UK, which represents 141 universities, said the proposals offer "a much-needed reset for our university system". By Branwen Jeffreys, BBC News.

Ms Phillipson and her team faced questions from MPs on issues including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, funding cuts to the International Baccalaureate, and delays to the free schools programme. Schools Week summarises what was said, including education minister Georgia Gould’s response to a question on SEND support in which she noted that the curriculum and assessment review is "looking closely at what affects children’s learning in mainstream schools". By Jack Dyson.

The full transcript of the Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy debate can be read on Hansard.

Suicide rates among children and young people in England have risen by 50 per cent in the last 10 years, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown. The data, covering almost 12 million children and young people aged 15 to 25 from 2011 to 2012 through to 2021 to 2022, shows there were 4,315 suicides during that period. In 2021 to 2022 alone, 440 young people took their own lives, a 47 per cent increase from the 300 deaths recorded in 2011 to 2012. The suicide rate per 100,000 young people also rose by 54 per cent over the same period. The ONS also found that rates of suicide were higher around the summer exam season and slightly lower at the start of the academic year. By Tobi Thomas, The Guardian. 

The number of young people not in education, employment, or training (known as 'Neets') has risen by nearly 200,000 over the past two years, reaching 940,000, according to new research from the Resolution Foundation. Researchers from the think tank have also predicted that the number could surpass one million for the first time in more than a decade. The Resolution Foundation is urging ministers to increase their efforts to reduce the number of Neets by creating a national "front door" to help young people re-engage with education and training, and broaden access to the Youth Guarantee to include 22- to 24-year-olds. By Albert Toth, The Independent.

The government's VAT on fees policy has been linked to a surge in homeschooling as more families are priced out of independent schools. Online teaching firms have told The Telegraph that demand has "exploded" since the tax policy came into effect in January. The paper considers the impact of VAT on fees, and how, for some parents, the option of turning to online schooling from home is a way to retain control of their child’s education. Reference is made to the ISC's recent survey, which revealed a decline of 16,696 pupils at independent schools since last September, equivalent to 3.6 per cent. Commenting on the tax policy, Hugh Viney, founder and chief executive of Minerva Virtual Academy, which offers online teaching, said: "I hugely disagree with the additional VAT on school fees. I think it’s a disastrous policy, and I am very against it." By Noah Eastwood. 

Spear's explores the increasing number of UK independent schools opening branches abroad, particularly across the Middle East and Asia, with around 45 to 50 schools operating roughly 150 international campuses. Despite challenges including different education systems and local regulations, experts explain that demand remains strong, making such schools an increasingly popular and profitable venture. Johanna Mitchell, founder and director of educational consultancy Lumos Education, says: "If they [branded schools] are well-managed and run, the brand appeal and culture of the original school will continue overseas." A number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned in the article. By Christian Maddock. 

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