ISC Daily News Summary

The Telegraph reports Labour plans to remove business rates relief for independent schools, impose VAT on fees, and consider the possibility of abolishing private schools, should the Party enter into power. By Harry Yorke. Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, is quoted.

To read the ISC's full statement, click here.

The Baines Cutler report referenced in the article can be found here.

Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, has warned universities that standards are being "undermined" by grade inflation and unconditional offers, which could lead employers to "lose faith" in degrees. By Will Hazell, iNews.

The Times reports Birmingham University has stopped making unconditional offers to students amid growing pressure from Government ministers. By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

Chris Ramsey, head of Whitgift School and chair of the HMC & GSA's Universities Committee, argues "finishing school should be the start of adulthood, but not a door closed on support". Tes.

Trials of first aid lessons are taking place in 1,600 schools across the country, with the classes set to become compulsory from 2020. BBC News.

According to statistics published by the Department for Education, 15.3 per cent of newly-qualified teachers (NQTs) who started teaching in 2017 were no longer in the profession last year. By Dave Speck, Tes.

A report published by the Royal Society for Public Health has said junk food outlets within a five-minute walk of school gates should be 'banned' in order to tackle childhood obesity. Sky News.