ISC Daily News Summary

Data published by the Department for Education (DfE) shows pupil numbers at independent schools in England are the lowest they have been in five years. The Telegraph reports pupil numbers have fallen amid a rise in school fees. By Camilla Turner. The article quotes Mike Buchanan, executive director of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

The Daily Mail erroneously reported on this story, stating the figures were from data released by the Independent Schools Council. The ISC secured a correction to the article, which has now been amended to say the figures were from the DfE looking at all independent schools in England.

The Guardian also reports on the DfE's findings that average class sizes at secondary schools have increased for the fourth year in a row, while the number of teachers continues to decline. By Richard Adams.

Sally-Anne Huang, the current head of James Allen's Girls' School, has been appointed as the first female high master of St Paul's School since it was founded in 1509. She will start the new role in September next year, where she will continue a development campaign to increase the number of students receiving fee assistance through bursaries. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Cliff Canning, head of Hampshire Collegiate School, writes in Tes magazine discussing character education. He argues "it is our duty as educators to help those in our charge build their own framework of beliefs".

Writing in Tes magazine, Rebecca Mace, head of digital character development at Cheltenham College, details the ways in which schools can generate a stronger sense of belonging among pupils outside of the digital sphere.

An anonymous GCSE examiner has alleged standardisation scripts for exam board AQA "are all over the place" for this year's English language GCSE, warning it could result in students receiving the wrong grades. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

The teachers' professional body, which was formed over two years ago, is thought to be struggling to meet expectations. It is alleged the organisation is "facing serious challenges over its funding, membership, accommodation and support from government". By Will Hazell, Tes.

A report published by the National Governors Association warned that local communities could lose confidence in academy schools unless changes were made to address the "democratic deficit" and lack of transparency within multi-academy trusts. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.