Writing in The Spectator, Jo Thomson, head of Clayesmore School, reflects on how the impact of the government's VAT on fees policy is being felt across the independent sector. Ms Thomson notes that a number of schools are being left with no choice but to freeze budgets, merge classes, drop subjects or cut back on staff. Warning that there is little sign so far that state schools are benefiting from the new tax, she writes: "Whatever your views on independent education, there are no obvious winners in this scenario." Looking to the future, Ms Thomson says the independent sector "will survive as it always has done", adding that "enthusiastic, energetic and motivated teachers" will continue to invest time in their pupils, boosting their future outcomes. 

In an article for Independent School Management Plus, Chris Smith, head of senior school at Stamford School, offers advice to schools in the unfortunate position of needing to make staff redundant. Emphasising the need for such matters to be handled with care and effective communication, Mr Smith underlines the importance of engaging with colleagues and union representatives from the start. "Paperwork should be clear, robust, well documented and give all parties the time and space to be heard during the process," he adds.

In a written question in the House of Commons, Labour MP Cat Smith asked if the Department for Education subsidises inspections of independent schools undertaken by Ofsted. Schools minister Stephen Morgan replied, saying Ofsted inspects around half of the 2,496 registered independent schools in England. He explained: "There is disparity between the fees charged for inspections and full cost recovery. Private school inspections carried out by Ofsted cost around £6.5 million per annum (2024/25), whilst only around £2.2 million will be recovered from fee income. Government policy is that costs associated with inspections by government bodies should be recoverable. This will reduce the need for government subsidy. The government is considering options to close the gap." Hansard.

The pressure to stay online late into the night is leaving some pupils too exhausted to attend school the next day, a report published today by Impetus and Public First has found. Based on focus groups involving Year 10 pupils with varying attendance rates across the country, the research identifies excessive online engagement – described as "presenteeism" – as a key factor contributing to school absence. The report adds that, when exam results are the only goal, "pupils who are struggling... stop seeing a reason to go to school every day". By John Roberts, Tes.

Susannah Hardyman MBE, CEO of charity Impetus, writes in Independent School Management Plus about the attendance crisis. She warns that, for many pupils, school can be a "joyless" experience. Drawing on her charity's research, Ms Hardyman calls for action to address the issue but says there are no easy solutions. "Sanctions like fines may bring pupils through the school gates, but they don’t necessarily engage them in learning," she writes. 

Up to 7,000 new school nursery places are set to be created across England by September 2026. The Department for Education has announced it will allocate £45 million to boost early years education, funding an additional 300 school-based nurseries. Schools will be invited to apply for grants of up to £150,000 to create new nursery facilities or expand existing ones. By Jasmine Norden, The Independent. 

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