ISC Daily News Summary

Proposals by the Labour Party to add VAT to independent school fees have been criticised by education experts who warn the move will result in thousands of pupils being moved to the state sector, which is already under pressure. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), is quoted, saying: "Labour's tax on aspiration would not just have an impact on the hard-working families who choose independent schools for their children. More children in the state sector would increase competition for the best state schools, which we know unfairly impacts the chances of already disadvantaged students". By Glen Owen and Cameron Charters, The Mail on Sunday.

A comment piece in the Daily Mail also considers the issue, arguing "people should be free to strive, save hard and spend their money how they want".

Julie Robinson was interviewed by Nick Ferrari on LBC today, discussing the impact of the policy and the sacrifices many parents make to send their children to independent schools. To hear the interview please skip to 02:24:08.

Julia Harnden, the head of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), has called on the Government to provide clarity over the energy price guarantee. Some schools could have to pay tens of thousands of pounds more if it ends in April. By Amy Walker and Tom Belger, Schools Week.

In an interview with The Guardian, Oxford University's outgoing vice-chancellor Louise Richardson has said pupils' own effort and ambition are behind the rising number of state school pupils gaining places, rather than the university’s policies. Ms Richardson dismissed claims that Oxbridge is biased against applications from independently educated students, saying more “smart students” are applying from the state sector, leading to greater competition. By Richard Adams.

Michelle Donelan, the digital, culture, media and sport secretary, has said that the Online Safety Bill will include the new crime of 'deliberately encouraging people to physically hurt themselves'. The bill, which is expected to return to parliament next month, is designed to make young people safer on the web. By Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times.

Independent Schools Magazine features a special report on safeguarding and internet safety. By Judy Thomas, whose daughter Frankie took her own life at the age of 15. In a separate piece, Hywel Stayte, head of digital learning at The Portsmouth Grammar School, shares his school's experience with the Online Safety Mark.

New research from the University of Cambridge has suggested there is a link between children's economic disadvantage and the social difficulties they face. Pupils who come from a poorer background, or at least believe they do, may find it harder to form and maintain close friendships than those who are from more affluent backgrounds, according to the findings. By Kate Parker, Tes.