ISC Daily News Summary

Prime minister Boris Johnson has said he would like to "explore the value of one-to-one teaching, both for pupils who are in danger of falling behind and for those of exceptional ability". His comments follow the introduction of the National Tutoring Programme, designed to help pupils catch up on their education. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Rosie McColl, headteacher at Brighton Girls GDST, writes in The Telegraph arguing the pandemic has created an opportunity to transform the education system and develop new partnerships between state and independent schools.

According to a report from Ofsted, over a third of schools have seen an increase in parents electing to educate their children at home, with many concerned about the spread of coronavirus. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, has called for "a consolidation and simplification of government advice for schools" to provide clarity over the risks of coronavirus. By James Carr, Schools Week.

Schools Week summarises the key findings from Ofsted's snapshot report. By John Dickens.

An article in Tes explores how school libraries are overcoming challenges brought on by the pandemic. By Gemma Corby. The article quotes Terri McCargar, librarian at Latymer Upper School.

The Educational Institute of Scotland has warned it could take legal action if vulnerable teachers at risk of coronavirus are forced to sign themselves off sick rather than work from home. By Katrine Bussey, The Times.

Leo Winkley, headmaster of Shrewsbury School, writes to The Telegraph arguing this year's exams controversy "affords a real opportunity to reinvent the way we measure personal development". The letter can be found halfway down the page.

IE Today explores some of the projects and discussions taking place at independent schools as part of Black History Month. By Jo Golding. The article mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

New figures show 137 British black undergraduates started studying at the University of Cambridge this year, up from 91 last year. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

The Scottish Conservatives will support the continuation of free university tuition at next year's Holyrood election, marking the end of 13 years of opposition to the policy. By Chris Green, iNews.