ISC Daily News Summary

According to a survey by the National Association of Head Teachers, some heads say they have had to reduce lesson time and cut spending on teaching and teaching assistants amid rising energy bills. The poll also found that, on average, headteachers are expecting a 106 per cent increase in energy costs over the next year in their schools. By India McTaggart, The Telegraph.

Katharine Birbalsingh, a headteacher and chair of the Social Mobility Commission, has been criticised for suggesting that girls do not study physics at school because "it isn't something they fancy" and they would rather not do the "hard maths". By Joe Pinkstone, The Telegraph.

Addressing the Commons Science and Technology Committee yesterday, Ms Birbalsingh appeared to cast doubt on targets to boost literacy and numeracy, saying she is "not sure" how they will be achieved. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

A new study from University College London has found that depressive symptoms such as low mood, loss of pleasure and poor concentration in adolescents increased by six per cent after COVID struck, leading to approximately 60,000 more secondary school students surpassing a clinical threshold for depression. By Sarah Knapton, The Telegraph.

According to a survey by the NASUWT teaching union, 91 per cent of teachers and headteachers feel their job has adversely impacted their mental health in the last 12 months. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

A joint investigation by Schools Week and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism explores the 'broken' special needs system, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead for SEND reforms. By Gareth Davies and Samantha Booth.

Analysis published by data company SchoolDash suggests many struggling schools will miss out on levelling-up support because of the "blunt" way it is being targeted. By Callum Mason and Matilda Martin, Tes.

Speaking at the Schools and Academies Show yesterday, Baroness Barran, the academies minister, said the Government is enabling councils to run multi-academy trusts (MATs) because it knows there are "high quality" maintained schools and it wants them to share their leadership. By John Roberts, Tes.

A report by the National Audit Office has said that the number of children in custody in England and Wales is set to double by 2024, and has highlighted the disproportionate number of black and minority ethnic children in the youth justice system. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.