ISC Daily News Summary

According to The Telegraph, more than 100 schools have written to parents to say that children must continue wearing masks in classrooms, despite the prime minister’s announcement that the measure is no longer necessary. By Camilla Turner.

Nadhim Zahawi, the education secretary, has told regional health chiefs that they would need to consult him on any plans to go against new national guidance that masks are no longer necessary in schools. By Liam James, The Independent.

iNews takes a closer look at the changes to government guidelines on face masks in schools. By Alex Finnis.

Teachers at some special educational needs schools have said they felt "forgotten" by the Government who "do not know what our reality is" during the pandemic. BBC News.

According to a survey by Teacher Tapp for Bett UK, around a third of teachers fear pupils are at least 18 months behind on learning due to the pandemic. By Helen Chapman, Tes.

In a letter to The Times, Richard Russell, head at Colfe's school, argues that teachers will be surprised to hear that children are no longer required to wear masks in the classroom, adding that "less than 24 hours is insufficient for any meaningful assessment of the risks". The letter can be found halfway down the page.

In a separate letter to The Times, Tom Lawson, head of Eastbourne College, suggests that universities should "scrap the personal statement and trust university interviewers to be able to spot that genuine spark, which only really comes through in conversation". The letter is the second featured on the page.

Michelle Donelan, Conservative MP and minister for higher and further education, writes for iNews on the introduction of a standard rating for university courses. She said: "No longer will it be possible for a provider to rip-off students with courses that do not improve their lives after graduation."

Independent Education Today takes a closer look at a report published by the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) in November, which found that that ninety-four per cent of teachers and members of senior leadership felt that GCSEs and assessment methods were in urgent need of reforming. By Cris Warren.

Olivera Raraty, head at Malvern St James Girls' School, writes for Independent Schools Magazine reflecting on the Girls Schools Association conference, which took place at the end of last term.

Jane Warne, head of marketing from Abingdon School, writes for Independent Schools Magazine on the launch of OX14 Learning Partnership, a formal partnership between six schools in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Tes features an exclusive interview with Nadhim Zahawi on his plans for the sector as education secretary. By Charlotte Santry.