ISC Daily News Summary

Over the weekend, there were further reports on the findings of this year's Independent Schools Council annual Census.

Tes details six findings and reports on the increase in the number of overseas independent school campuses.

On Saturday, letters to The Times focused on the contribution independent schools make to the UK. Authors include David James and Jane Lunnon, editors of 'The State of Independence', and Andrew Halls, head of King’s College School, Wimbledon. In today's letters to The Times, Francis Green and David Kynaston, authors of 'Engines of Privilege: Britain’s Private School Problem', write that the economic benefits of independent schools "are enjoyed only by the pupils, who go on to have privileged careers".

The Mirror reports on the disparity in funding between independent and state schools, focusing on the discount in schools' business rates bills due to their charitable status. Meanwhile, the 'Voice of The Mirror' argues for the Government 'to end the sad tale of two unequal school systems'.

In The Times today, Libby Purves argues independent schools know what works in education and should therefore 'rock the national boat' by doing more to influence the country's education system.

Martin Stephen, an author and former independent school head, writes in The Telegraph that 'an education system is not improved through abolishing its best schools'.

Stowe School in Gloucestershire has sought the advice of Liverpool Football Club in scouting talented children from families unable to afford the school's fees. By Nic North, The Mail on Sunday. The article quotes the school's head, Dr Anthony Wallersteiner.

The National Association of Head Teachers has said at least 10 independent schools are talking to the union about pulling out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). By Jess Staufenberg, Schools Week. The article quotes the Independent Schools Council.

Experts are being called in to advise parents and pupils at schools in membership of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference that sharing family photos on social media can put children at risk. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times.

James McEnaney, a journalist, FE lecturer and former teacher, argues in favour of the Scottish government's plans to withdraw tax breaks from Scotland’s independent schools. Tes.

St Paul’s School may be planning to admit girls in the sixth form, according to The Sunday Times. By Sian Griffiths. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council.

Nadhim Zahawi MP, the children and families minister, has expressed concern at the lack of awareness about new peer-on-peer abuse guidance. By Will Hazell, Tes.

The education secretary, Damian Hinds MP, has defended his view on testing - writing in The Sunday Times that exams help pupils to develop “resilience and coping mechanisms”.