ISC Daily News Summary

Robert Plomin, a professor of behavioural genetics at King’s College London, has said a pupil's academic success is pre-determined by their genes and therefore 'prestigious schools don't add anything to a child's grades'. By Sarah Knapton, The Telegraph.

In the article, Professor Plomin acknowledges the soft skills instilled by independent schools. Read more about the 'soft skills research', led by psychometric test publisher AQR International.

According to the editor of The Good Schools Guide, the improvement of state primary schools means many prep schools are facing a “slow and gentle good night”. By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

The Times leading article says the improvement of state primaries is "cause for celebration".

Academics from Birmingham City University have found the average A-level music class has only three students. The study also showed independent schools account for a disproportionately high number of A-level music entries. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

In the run-up to the Conservative leadership campaign, frontrunners Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have pledged extra funding for schools. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that Dominic Raab's manifesto for leadership promises higher teacher pay and a focus on apprenticeships.

The education secretary, Damian Hinds, has said teenagers should spend time volunteering to help get ready for the world of work. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times.

Edward Lucas writes a comment piece in The Times arguing that GCSEs are 'in theory, useful but in practice a form of child abuse' becuase of the stress they impose on pupils.

Primary pupils are being taught T’ai Chi to help calm their nerves in the lead up to Sats exams. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Bernard Trafford, a former independent school head, questions whether the Liberal Democrats could make schools happier places if voted into power. Tes.