ISC Daily News Summary

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has published a report into the Ealing Abbey and St Benedict's School hearings, as part of its investigation into the Roman Catholic Church. BBC News.

Robin Hardman writes in The Spectator arguing plans to integrate independent schools into the state sector 'would make it far harder for talented children to fulfil their potential'. In reference to the educational backgrounds of England's rugby team, he says "while well over half of England's World Cup squad did attend independent schools, many of them only did so because they were awarded generous scholarships and bursaries". The article references the Independent Schools Council (ISC), along with several schools within membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

Alice Ross argues in the Financial Times that boarding schools "are facing an identity crisis" due to the cost of fees and attitudinal shifts. The article references the ISC and a number of schools within membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

Rugby School has announced its plans to open a sister school in Japan, making it the first British independent school to do so. By Catherine Lough, Tes. The article quotes Peter Green, head of Rugby School.

A report has estimated that 870,000 school children in England have dyslexia, but fewer than 150,000 have been diagnosed. BBC News.

A report published by the National Audit Office has found pre-school vaccination targets for six out of seven vital jabs are not being met, prompting proposals for the MMR vaccine to be offered in supermarkets and town centres. By Henry Bodkin, The Telegraph.

A Welsh Assembly committee has said the earnings threshold for families entitled to free school meals should be increased to £14,000 next September, if the Welsh Government can afford it. By Daniel Davies, BBC News.

BBC News also reports on findings that around a quarter of Scottish primary school pupils entitled to free school meals are not taking them every day. By Jamie McIvor.

Tes features a piece on an outdoor learning event organised by the City of Edinburgh Council for pupils in Scotland, and discusses the wider benefits of outdoor learning. By Henry Hepburn. The article references Gordonstoun.