ISC Daily News Summary

The chair of an Association of School and College Leaders commission into pupils who do not reach grade 4 in GCSE English and maths has voiced concern about the reformed system's “confusing vocabulary”. Roy Blatchford believes that having "standard" and "good" passes can make those who achieve grades 3, 2 and 1 view themselves as failures. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Marc Smith, a chartered psychologist and teacher, says asking students to create their own revision questions is not the most successful strategy to help them prepare for GCSE exams. Tes.

A Sutton Trust report has suggested admissions at “socially selective” faith schools should better reflect their local population. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

The Times reports that the Sutton Trust has urged Scotland’s top state schools to consider using a ballot system to give disadvantaged pupils more equal access. By Kieran Andrews.

The education secretary, Damian Hinds MP, has indicated the Office for Students will challenge universities that hand out too many first and 2:1 degrees once it has new statutory powers. By Rob Merrick, The Independent.

Michael Rosen - a novelist, poet, author, and former Children's Laureate - has written an open letter to the education secretary about the importance of equal funding for academic, technological and vocational courses. The Guardian.

An analysis of official figures by the School Cuts coalition of unions has found there has been a £5.4bn shortfall in school funding in England over the past three years. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

A survey by Sustrans, a walking and cycling charity, has found nearly two thirds of teachers would back car-free roads outside school gates at pick-up and drop-off times. By Emma Snaith, The Independent.