ISC Daily News Summary

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed 900,000 public sector workers, including teachers, will receive above-inflation pay rises this year to reflect their "vital contribution" to the fightback against coronavirus. By Steven Swinford, The Times.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for more financial assistance for holiday activities and childcare providers over the summer to support parents who may have to stop working from home. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News. An article in The Telegraph reports parents face considerable increases in childcare fees this year as providers attempt to make up for financial losses incurred during the pandemic. By Marianna Hunt.

The Education Policy Institute has warned the Government's £650 million catch-up package "is unlikely to prevent a widening of the learning gap between children from poor backgrounds and other pupils". By Charlotte Santry, Tes.

A written question about the operation of boarding schools from September 2020, which was submitted by Baroness Gardner of Parkes, has been answered by Baroness Berridge. Questions and answers are published in full online.

Findings from a comparative study of Sweden and Finland suggest closing primary schools had no impact on the transmission of coronavirus. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

An article in The Times features two parents who discuss how their children will spend their six-week summer break this year. By Anna Turns and Zoe Hughes.

David James, deputy head (academic) at an independent school, writes in Tes in response to concerns over the accuracy of this year's International Baccalaureate (IB) results.

The Telegraph features the perspective of a mother who believes her daughter's university prospects have been 'jeopardised' by this year's IB grading process. By Katie Russell.

The Times explores how selective state sixth forms in London, supported by independent schools and other organisations, help improve the university prospects of their pupils. By Rosemary Bennett and Neil Johnston. The article quotes Richard Cairns, headmaster at Brighton College.

The Times' leading article reflects on the impact of the London Challenge, a programme introduced in 2003 to improve the standards of schools in London and reduce the gap between the wealthy and the poor.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, writes in The Telegraph expressing his concern about the decision of some schools to prioritise core subjects over the arts when pupils return in September.

New research suggests British boys from wealthier families are more likely to have the cognitive skills they need to help them reach their goals than their peers from less affluent backgrounds. By Will Hazell, iNews.

James Tucker, who has been a senior leader in several international schools in Latin America, summarises some of the key lessons he has learned through teaching overseas. Tes.

BBC News reports a fundraising campaign has been launched to save St Mary's School in Dorset, which announced it would close permanently after the end of the summer term.