ISC Daily News Summary

The Times reports on comments by Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at Exeter University, who has said students with top A-level grades will be turned away from universities because this year’s admissions process will be one of the most competitive ever. His comments coincide with analysis from FFT Education Datalab, which suggests that during the pandemic, independent schools gave out more generous grades than might be expected. By Nicola Woolcock. The article features a quote from the chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), Julie Robinson, whose full statement in response can be read here.

According to The Telegraph, the education secretary has ordered a U-turn on some of the Government’s flagship education reforms, with ministers preparing to scrap large chunks of the Schools Bill following a rebellion in the House of Lords. By Camilla Turner.

Staff at AQA have voted in favour of strike action over pay, in a move Unison has claimed could delay this year's exam results. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

MCC has confirmed that the traditional annual match between Eton College and Harrow School will be replaced by the final of a national schools competition that will be open to all public, independent and state schools from next year. By Elizabeth Ammon, The Times.

Supply teachers across the country have begun cutting the distance they are willing to travel for work because of rising fuel costs, with some rejecting jobs when the travelling distance is over 10 miles. By Callum Mason, Tes.

The Government has launched a regulatory review of school accountability to “future proof” the role of academy trusts, as part of a plan by ministers to get all schools either into multi-academy trusts or in the process of joining by 2030. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.