ISC Daily News Summary

Colfe's School, in London, has introduced a course in “Eudaimonia”, which is usually translated as human flourishing or happiness, to help boost pupil wellbeing. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. The article quotes the school's head of philosophy, Emerald Henderson, and references Brighton College's meditation sessions for "unsettled and fidgety children".

Roedean School, in Brighton, is set to run a week-long retreat for sixth-formers, during which they will be required to ditch their phones and focus on forging real friendships. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times.

The Sunday Times reports Oxford and Cambridge universities are planning to unveil further measures to widen access for students from poorer backgrounds. By Sian Griffiths.

James Delingpole writes a commentary for The Spectator in the wake of press coverage about Oxbridge's use of contextual admissions.

Headteachers have claimed social mobility will be damaged if the Government pushes ahead with proposals to end funding for post-16 International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. By Pippa Allen-Kinross, Schools Week.

Universities UK pledges to combat grade inflation in response to growing concern about the number of first-class degrees awarded to students. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

The education secretary, Damian Hinds, has said schools must allow employers and colleges to speak to their students about apprenticeships and vocational courses - and not solely focus on traditional academic options. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Tom Aikens, a Michelin star-winning head chef, says there is a shortage of good trainee chefs in Britain due to schools no longer teaching cooking. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

The Telegraph reports Countryfile presenter, Adam Henson, has called for agriculture to be taught at GCSE level so people can make informed choices around food. By Oscar Quine.

The National Governance Association (NGA) is calling on teachers and school leaders to further their professional development by becoming governors at other schools. By Mark Smulian, Tes. The NGA campaign is supported by the National Association of Head Teachers, Teach First, the Ambition Institute, Education and Employers and the Independent Schools Council.