ISC Daily News Summary

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed next year's exams in England will go ahead, but with a delayed start date for most exams and a reduction in content for some subjects. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.

Unity Howard, director of the New Schools Network, writes in The Telegraph urging Ofqual and the exam boards to devise a system for next year's exams "that is both sensitive to the impact of COVID, but also assesses actual achievement fairly too".

An article in Tes raises eight questions about the impact changes to the 2021 exam series could have on schools and students. By Grainne Hallahan.

Several independent school headteachers write in the latest issue of Independent Schools Magazine outlining their preferred system of assessment.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has said schools in areas under tier three lockdown restrictions will not be subject to blanket closures. By James Carr, Schools Week.

According to The Mirror, coronavirus cases in schools will now be dealt with by central contact tracers unless there is evidence of a wider outbreak, amid reports local public health teams are struggling with the workload. By Martin Bagot.

iNews reports footballer Marcus Rashford has backed a cross-party bill which aims to provide free breakfasts for children in disadvantaged schools. By Will Hazell. Christian Wakeford, Conservative MP for Bury South, writes in The Times outlining how the School Breakfast Bill could 'transform lives'.

Dr Emma Hepburn, a clinical psychologist, suggests five ways teachers can look after their mental health during the pandemic. Tes.

Robert Halfon, Conservative MP and chairman of the Education Select Committee, writes in The Times outlining how the group intends to address the attainment gap between white working class pupils and their peers.

The Telegraph details six legal ways parents can pay less tax as they save money for their child's independent education. By Marianna Hunt.