ISC Daily News Summary

According to a report from the Institute for Government, ministers refused to draw up contingency plans to protect schools and exams before a second lockdown, and "what followed was easily the most disruptive period in children's education since at least the start of the Second World War". By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

Two education unions have backed a call for air purifiers to be installed in schools to help combat COVID-19 transmission. By Will Hazell, iNews. In a separate analysis piece, Will Hazell writes that the scrapping of school bubbles "makes ventilation and other COVID prevention measures even more vital". iNews.

BBC News reports COVID vaccines are set to be rolled out to all 16 and 17-year-olds in the UK. By George Bowden and Alex Kleiderman.

According to a new study conducted by King's College London, just five per cent of children who catch coronavirus develop long COVID, with the vast majority making a full recovery in less than a month. By Joe Pinkstone, The Telegraph.

Tes summarises what the easing of restrictions in Scotland will mean for schools. By Henry Hepburn.

Pearson has announced that it's exam board, Edexcel, will return 33 per cent of fees for GCSEs and A-levels back to schools. By Samantha Booth and Tom Belger, Schools Week.

The Telegraph features the stories of three individuals who found success in life after experiencing setbacks at A-level. By Jack Rear.

IE Today reports on a statement issued by Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC, saying "it is completely normal for schools to send important additional information to universities that was not contained in the UCAS reference, in both state and independent sectors", after an article "misrepresented" comments he made about pupils who might have missed university requirements. By James Higgins. The full statement can be read on the ISC website.

Andrew Copeman, who coaches the 4XI football team at Latymer Upper School, writes to The Times in agreement with the view that fourth place is a "special honour". He adds: "Games are played in a competitive manner with both sets of teams giving their all but with a pleasing sense of perspective that winning isn't everything." The letter can be found halfway down the page.

According to a poll by the NASUWT, the vast majority of teachers believe the Government's decision to freeze their pay is unfair and will have a negative impact on their morale. By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Department for Education has estimated that 120 universities have applied for a share of the £110 million Turing scheme, alongside schools and colleges, to fund work and study placements. The scheme was introduced by the Government to compensate for the UK's withdrawal from the Erasmus scheme last year. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

Emma Reed writes in The Telegraph exploring the support available to students who may feel under-prepared academically for higher education due to COVID disruption.