ISC Daily News Summary

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, has said that the "social contract" between schools and parents around education and the need for pupils to be in school has been damaged by COVID and must be remade. By John Roberts, Tes.

Harry de Quetteville writes in The Telegraph questioning how children can catch up on their learning following Britain's 'zero COVID' policy.

Ofqual has said schools can use special consideration to help the growing number of pupils suffering from exam anxiety this year, for example allowing them to sit papers at different times. By Catherine Lough, The Independent.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), has warned this year's exams are likely to widen the disadvantage gap because of the impact of COVID. By John Roberts, Tes.

Writing in The Times, Nicola Woolcock explores Eton College's plan to open three new state sixth forms in Dudley, Middlesbrough and Oldham, in partnership with Star Academies.

Tes rounds up all the key issues raised by speakers and debated by school leaders at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) conference in Birmingham on 11 and 12 March. By John Roberts.

Speaking at the event, ASCL's general secretary, Geoff Barton, suggested the published details of the Government’s upcoming Education White Paper are “underwhelming”. By Catherine Lough, The Independent.

Katharine Birbalsingh, the Government's social mobility tsar, told conference attendees to ignore Ofsted and do what is best for pupils. By Max Stephens, The Telegraph. Ms Birbalsingh also said schools and parents can improve the social mobility of disadvantaged children by restricting access to smartphones. By Richard Adams, The Observer.

Amelia Jenkinson, chief executive of the School of Sexuality Education, told school leaders at the event that pupils should not be warned against sending each other nude photos because it can encourage victim blaming - adding that schools should focus on teaching children not to pressure others rather than on how to resist pressure. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

BBC News looks at steps being taken in Scotland to help the Ukrainian war effort, including how pupils at Strathallan School had organised a collection of beds and bedding for refugees after an appeal directly from Poland.

According to The Times, degree grade inflation is putting the 2:2 at risk of extinction. By Nicola Woolcock and Matilda Davies.

A new research study, which is due to appear in the British Journal of Sociology of Education, has suggested that cultural outings - such as a trip to a theatre or a museum - will not actually help children secure higher grades. By Michael Savage, The Observer.

Ahead of the online World Education Summit from 21-24 March, Tes previews how the event will explore the evolution of ITT to meet global needs. By Dan Worth.