ISC Daily News Summary

According to iNews, classroom bubbles and mask-wearing among pupils could be brought back if COVID cases surge this autumn and winter. By Will Hazell.

Schools Week reports the Government plans to scrap its powers to force temporary school closures. By Freddie Whittaker.

Tes explores what the Government's COVID winter plan means for schools. By Amy Gibbons.

Russell Viner, a paediatrician and professor at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, writes in The Guardian outlining the benefits of vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds.

Anthony Harnden, deputy chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, has acknowledged that families face "uncertainty, hesitation and debate" due to inconsistencies in advice over whether teenagers should be vaccinated against coronavirus. By Steven Swinford and Chris Smyth, The Times.

The Times reports some parents' groups are concerned that peer pressure will affect children's vaccine decisions, while the Association of School and College Leaders has warned schools must not be caught in the 'crossfire' of the debate. By Oliver Wright, Arthi Nachiappan and Lucy Bannerman.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the vaccination of 12 to 15-year-olds in Scotland will begin on Monday. By Emma Seith, Tes.

The Times reports some parents of children at independent schools in Scotland have criticised COVID restrictions which prevent them from attending pupil sporting events. By Marc Horne. The article quotes Melvyn Roffe, the principal of George Watson's College, and the Scottish Council of Independent Schools.

According to iNews, the Government is considering bringing forward A-level results day, publishing GCSE grades in the same week, and synchronising results days with Scotland to pave the way for a shake-up of university admissions. By Will Hazell.

Croydon High School GDST headmistress Emma Pattison and deputy head academic Dr Philip Purvis write in Independent Schools Magazine challenging proposals to scrap GCSEs, arguing "the most radical action is to conserve and improve" the exams. The article can be found on page 11.

Lord Lexden, a Conservative peer and president of the Independent Schools Association, writes in Independent Schools Magazine highlighting the work independent schools are doing to widen access to educational opportunities and how the Government can support these efforts. The article can be found on page four.

Dr Helen Wright writes in Independent School Management Plus challenging some of the misconceptions surrounding independent schools, particularly in relation to Oxbridge admissions.

Sophie Pender, founder of the 93% Club, writes in The Times arguing the Government's "levelling up" agenda should focus on lifting up state schools.

Parent groups are warning of a surge in school anxiety cases among children, leading to persistent absence from education. BBC News.

Diane Abbott and Lord Simon Woolley, chair and vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Race Equality in Education, have written a letter to Gavin Williamson asking him to consider proposals to introduce "a programme that provides further support to children and students of colour". By Nadine White, The Independent.