ISC Daily News Summary

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has warned against 'over-reacting' to the coronavirus outbreak, adding schools should remain open unless there is a confirmed case. By Chris Smyth, Rosemary Bennett and Danny Shaw, The Times.

The Guardian reports headteachers have accused the Government of giving "inconsistent" advice to schools regarding the coronavirus. By Nazia Parveen. The article references a quote from Richard Pollock, head of Cransley School.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, suggested fee-paying parents "might start asking for money back" if their children's education is disrupted as a result of the coronavirus, and reiterated that schools should continue to follow the advice of Public Health England. By Sophie Tanno and Martin Robinson.

A new poll has found 62 per cent of parents believe pupil wellbeing is more important than academic results, with many respondents linking positive wellbeing to the prioritisation of school sport and physical activity. By Dave Speck, Tes.

Does your school run any sport or fitness projects as part of a pupil wellbeing initiative? If you would like to write a blog on the subject, please email [email protected]

The Office for Students is conducting a three-month review into university admissions procedures amid concerns over the use of predicted A-level grades. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.

According to research from the Sutton Trust, 50 per cent of secondary school heads agree social segregation is an issue in state schools, and 62 per cent are open to reviewing their admissions policies to make them fairer. By Dave Speck, Tes.

Jim Addison, head of post-16 basic skills at the Department for Education, has suggested students who have yet to obtain their level 2 in GCSE English and maths should be allowed to study T-levels. By Kate Parker, Tes.