- Independent schools decline ethnically-restricted bursary funding for disadvantaged white boys
- Figures suggest grammar schools are struggling to widen access to disadvantaged pupils
- Increase in number of exclusions for racism in England's primary schools
- Children are increasingly missing school to go on family holidays, figures suggest
- 'How our development framework prepares children for the transition to senior school'
- Wealthy parents hire bodyguards to take their children to and from school
Independent schools decline ethnically-restricted bursary funding for disadvantaged white boys
FundingFollowing an article in The Times towards the end of December, about independent schools having declined an offer of ethnically-restricted bursary funding, the paper reports on comments made by a former Labour MP and multi-academy trust leader, Frank Field, who has described the schools as "racist" for turning down the offer. By Dominic Kennedy. The article quotes a spokesman for Winchester College and Dr Joseph Spence, master of Dulwich College.
Dr Spence writes in The Times saying: "I believe potential applicants and their parents and carers will value the fact that every award will be open to everyone, irrespective of race." The letter can be found half-way down the page.
A number of state school headteachers have said they would welcome the financial assistance offered by philanthropist Sir Bryan Thwaites to help disadvantaged white British pupils. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.
Figures suggest grammar schools are struggling to widen access to disadvantaged pupils
Grammar schoolsAccording to figures obtained by The Independent, the number of disadvantaged children sitting the 11-plus exam has risen by just 3.8 per cent in the last year, leading some to claim the Government's attempt to boost social mobility through existing grammar schools has "failed". By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.
Increase in number of exclusions for racism in England's primary schools
General educationBBC News reports the number of primary school exclusions for racism in England has risen by more than 40 per cent since 2006-07. By Frankie McCamley, BBC News.
Children are increasingly missing school to go on family holidays, figures suggest
General educationAccording to Government statistics taken for two school terms in 2018-19, more than 630,000 pupils in England missed at least half a day of lessons due to unauthorised absence. By Victoria Ward, The Telegraph.
'How our development framework prepares children for the transition to senior school'
Independent sectorJody Wells, headmaster at Forres Sandle Manor School, writes in IE Today explaining how the school's approach to pupil development prepares children for the future. The article quotes Toby Smith, head of English at King's College, Taunton, Matthew Harris, head of theology, philosophy and ethics at Cheltenham College and Chris Barnes, assistant head (pupil progress) at Cheltenham College.
Wealthy parents hire bodyguards to take their children to and from school
General educationThe Times reports parents in some of London's wealthiest areas are hiring ex-military bodyguards to protect their children at the school gates. By Tom Ball. The article quotes Magoo Giles, principal and founder of Knightsbridge School.