ISC Daily News Summary

The Department for Education has written an email to headteachers instructing them that they should only grant extended absences relating to COVID in "exceptional circumstances". By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

Data analysis has revealed that in some parts of England the number of vaccinated 12 to 15-year-olds is just three per cent. By Charlotte Santry, Tes.

BBC News takes a closer look at how schools are keeping children safe from COVID, covering all the current guidance on face masks and isolation.

A number of Hertfordshire secondary schools have reintroduced stricter anti-COVID measures including asking pupils to wear face masks in communal areas and temporary bubbles following a spike in cases. BBC News.

The Educational Institute of Scotland has warned against the removal of masks classrooms unless there is a “significant increase” in the vaccination of secondary school students. By Emma Seith, Tes.

The Department for Education has said that £184 million in funding for new national professional qualifications will now be available to staff in schools across the country. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

A new report commissioned by the Boarding Schools’ Association found that 99 per cent of Chinese parents placed UK boarding schools at the top of a list of worldwide destinations. The article quotes Robin Fletcher, the national director of BSA and the BSA Group. By Julian Owen, Independent Education Today.

During a House of Lords debate about examination assessments, Baroness Barran answered questions on ensuring a level playing field and proposals to remove independent schools' charitable status. Hansard.

Writing for iNews, Kasia Delgado explores how the declining fertility rate in England and Wales has prompted calls for fertility lessons in schools. Adam Balen, an NHS consultant and world-leading fertility expert, explained: "We want to ensure that people have a greater understanding and awareness about fertility and reproductive health, so they can make an informed choice about their own fertility journey."

Exeter School in Devon has offered nine funded places to local children for the academic year beginning in September 2022. Louise Simpson, the head of the school, said: “We are an inclusive community that welcomes bright and committed young people who can give their talents and skills to better our community, and are willing to take up the challenges and opportunities that we offer.” By Julian Owen, Independent Education Today.

Iona Bain writes for iNews arguing that financial education provided by schools has failed students, highlighting survey findings which suggest that most school leavers do not understand finances.