ISC Daily News Summary

The Daily Mail reports dozens of schools are temporarily shutting amid the coronavirus outbreak, with Dulwich Prep School one of the latest to close after pupils who visited coronavirus-affected countries over half-term fell ill. By Martin Robinson. The article quotes Louise Davidson, head of Dulwich Prep School, Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association (ISA), and mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

A Tes investigation has compared the amount of money some independent schools accumulated in 2017-18 with how much they spent on bursary provision. By Catherine Lough. The article quotes David Woodgate, chief executive of the Independent Schools' Bursars Association, who points out several reasons why schools might build up their surpluses.

A separate article in Tes features a breakdown of the accounts of eight independent schools with surpluses of £5 million or more in 2017-18. By Catherine Lough.

Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the ISA, writes in The Times arguing "if universities adopt a post-results application process, consideration needs to be given to those whom unconditional offers were originally designed to support".

The paper also features a letter from Jane Prescott, head of Portsmouth High School, who expresses support for the proposals. She argues the changes would minimise the need for post-offer open days, which 'add travel costs and time out of school to what is already a time pressured year'. Both letters can be found at the top of the page.

An article in The Scotsman explores the different types of independent schools in Scotland, highlighting how diversity within the sector enables families to find a school most suited to their needs. By Sarah Devine. The article mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

An article in Tes interviews Dorothy MacGinty, head of Kilgraston School, and Alex Hems, head of St George's Schools for Girls, who both agree their students have benefited from a ban on mobile phones in school. By Emma Seith. The article also references a quote from Lisa Kerr, principal of Gordonstoun.

Writing in The Telegraph, education secretary Gavin Williamson argues pupils and teachers achieve more in "calm, disciplined and nurturing environments". He also invites schools to take part in a new £10 million discipline programme designed to improve behaviour in schools.

Tes lists the people, projects and products named in this year's "Edtech 50" list, which celebrates technological innovation within education. By Amy Gibbons. The article mentions Nic Ford, deputy head (academic) at Bolton School Boys' Division, and Simon Luxford-Moore of Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools.