ISC Daily News Summary

New research by Education Datalab has found more than 800 pupils achieved the highest grades in their GCSEs last year, despite concerns over changes to the exam. According to the figures, "pupils in the independent sector and at grammar schools were over-represented in the group achieving the top grades". By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

The Girlguiding movement has said "publicity-hungry schools" and pressure to post results on social media are increasing exam stress among girls. By Robert Booth, The Guardian.

Andrew Harland, the outgoing head of the International Exam Officers’ Association, has claimed some independent schools are protecting their league table status by entering weaker pupils as 'external candidates'. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. The article quotes Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association.

Research carried out by Teach First has found pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are nearly twice as likely to fail their maths GCSE compared to their wealthier peers. By Will Hazell, iNews.

UCAS has announced the top T-level grade will be the equivalent of three A*s at A-level. By Katherine Sellgren, BBC News.

Campaigners have warned that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being forced out of mainstream education, with thousands of children who require additional help ending up in dedicated special schools. By Cahal Milmo and Aimee Stanton, iNews.

A survey compiled by NHS Digital has revealed more secondary school pupils in England are 'rejecting cigarettes' than ever before. BBC News.

BBC News includes 10 charts demonstrating what options are available to 16-year-olds once they have finished their exams. The graphs also show how these options have changed over time, and the impact such changes have had.