ISC Daily News Summary

Writing in The Telegraph, Harry de Quetteville considers the prime minister's proposals to make maths compulsory for all pupils until the age of 18. Mr de Quetteville says that putting the plans into place could be difficult in light of funding constraints and teacher shortages, but that they could mark the 'first move towards a British Baccalaureate'.

Teachers strikes are more likely following the news of the maths pledge, according to Kevin Courtney, the joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU). Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Courtney said the announcement 'fails to address the existing shortage of maths teachers or tackle any of the major problems'. By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph.

Commenting in The Times, Olli Pekka-Heionen, director-general of the International Baccalaureate and a former education minister in Finland, argues that extending maths provision is to be welcomed but the prime minister's plans do not go far enough. "Post-16 reform (and, indeed, all school reform) needs to be bolder", he says.

Tes considers the question of whether 16-18 is the right age for extra maths, with some experts arguing it would make more sense for the focus on maths to be at the beginning of a child's education rather than the end. By Dan Worth and Gráinne Hallahan.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), has criticised the prime minister for failing to highlight education as a government priority in his speech yesterday. Other education leaders have also expressed their disappointment not to have seen schools included in any of the five pledges Rishi Sunak promises to deliver this year. By Callum Mason, Tes.

Sir Keir Starmer has said an incoming Labour government would repeal the prime minister’s anti-strike legislation, which is expected to be announced this week. The legislation would enforce “minimum service levels” in six sectors, including the health service, rail, education, fire and border security. By Pippa Crerar, Tom Ambrose and Jessica Elgot, The Guardian.

Writing in The Telegraph, Ruth Kelly argues that not reforming the childcare system would be a mistake and says there is "still time for the Government to think again". Ruth Kelly is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange and a former education secretary.

Freedom of Information requests have revealed that the numbers of home-educated pupils have increased by 40 per cent since 2018, prompting the children's commissioner and education unions to warn such children could be 'left out of welfare checks'. By Zoe Tidman, The Independent.

Tes offers tips for headteachers applying for a new role, with advice on managing conflicting emotions and handling the decision making process. By Mark Leppard MBE, headmaster of The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi and a former chair of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).