ISC Daily News Summary

Shaun Fenton, chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) and headmaster of Reigate Grammar School, writes an opinion piece for Schools Week arguing that independent schools should not be blamed for choosing to take IGCSEs.

Yvonne Williams, head of English at Portsmouth High School for Girls, gives her view on IGCSEs and the new GCSE examinations and argues that the 'democracy of choice should be extended to all'. Read in Tes.

The Telegraph reports on comments made by Dominic Floyd, head of prep at Mount Kelly in Devon, that online platforms used by parents are eroding the relationship of trust between parents and schools. By Camilla Turner.

Shaun Fenton, head of Reigate Grammar School and HMC chair, argues that many universities offer students the same "or better" than Oxbridge and pupils should not see themselves as a failure if they do not secure an Oxbridge place. Tes.

A list drawn up by Sir Anthony Seldon, with the help of a panel of 20 educationists, has revealed the "most influential people in education". By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

For those thinking about teaching abroad, Mark S Steed, director of JESS Dubai, lists five questions to consider. Tes.

Schools minister Nick Gibb writes for The Times about his wish for every child to leave primary school able to read music.

Schools Week reports on a new model music curriculum, drawn up by experts in the field, which has been announced by the Government.

The Guardian reports on a survey by the Fabian Society, which has revealed a 'shocking decline' in the arts education received by primary school-aged children in England since 2010.

The Department for Education recently confessed it was “struggling hugely” with the decline in GCSE languages, yet many schools across the country have been working to beat this trend. By Dave Speck, Tes.

Children lack adequate support to educational psychologists due to staffing shortfalls, a survey has found. By Helen Ward, Tes.