ISC Daily News Summary

The Telegraph reports that almost 200 schools across the country have temporarily closed or reduced their classroom hours yesterday despite the Government urging them to stay open during the heatwave. By Louisa Clarence-Smith and Lizzie Roberts.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers union, has called on Ofsted to suspend inspections this week, with the Met Office having issued a red weather warning for today. By John Roberts, Tes.

Frank Young, editorial director at the Civitas think tank, writes in The Critic questioning Labour’s independent school tax policy. He argues in favour of more independent school places, particularly those accessible to local middle-class families.

Nick Gibb, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, and Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, write in The Times that they are backing Rishi Sunak for prime minister because they believe he will ‘bring renewed energy to education reform and do so in a considered way’.

Journalist Celia Walden writes in The Telegraph arguing that universities must end online learning to combat cheating in exams and student loneliness, adding: "Holding exams in person isn’t just a good way to stop students from cheating. It’s about providing students with a normal university experience – and showing that you give a damn about every single one of them."

A group of data privacy and human rights campaigners have warned that the Government's plan for a register of children not in school could put families off seeking help from local services. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Frank Young, editorial director at the Civitas think tank, writes in The Times arguing that British school summer holidays are too long, adding: "Researchers have found it can take up to seven weeks to re-teach students material that has been forgotten over the summer, with big differences between better-off and poorer pupils."