ISC Daily News Summary

A number of correspondents have written to The Times in light of two independent schools announcing they are moving away from GCSEs. Robert Lobatto, head at The King Alfred School, explains that his school is working closely with the Rethinking Assessment coalition to establish a network of schools also developing alternatives to GCSEs.

Lord Baker of Dorking, who was education secretary from 1986 to 1989, welcomes the decision by Latymer Upper School to reduce the number of GCSEs their pupils will take, arguing: "This is an example that should be followed by other independent schools as soon as possible and also by state academies."

The letters appear halfway down the page. 

Headship in UK independent schools is more pressurised than ever and demands greater emotional strength and resilience than a decade ago, according to research by RSAcademics. While the study explored a range of educational matters, from AI to the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda, "unprecedented financial and strategic pressures" was cited by respondents as a core challenge. Commenting on the findings, Russell Speirs, founder and chairman of RSAcademics, said: "There have been important changes of emphasis in terms of the challenges facing heads today and the skills they need for success." By Irena Barker, Independent School Management Plus. 

The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) has written a letter to education secretary Gillian Keegan calling for reviews of the curriculum and exam systems used by thousands of British international schools. “We strongly believe that the traditional notion of education in the 21st century needs to be revised and redesigned" say the signatories, which include CEO Colin Bell, chair Lord Jim Knight, and board members of the association. By Dan Worth, Tes.

According to Tes, ministers are facing increasing pressure to provide “clarity” on funding for dealing with the problem of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), with some schools already having spent thousands to make buildings safe. By Jasmine Norden and John Roberts. 

Tes understands that ministers are set to launch a refresh of their teacher recruitment and retention strategy amid signs that the “catastrophic” teacher supply crisis is worsening. The chief executive of the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) has reportedly told the Department for Education (DfE) to review its teacher recruitment and retention strategy to take into account the impact of Covid. By Matilda Martin.

Polling from Teacher Tapp suggests a third of teachers now use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to help with their work, double the number using it five months ago. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week. 

Gordonstoun has announced that pupils will have to leave their phones in their boarding houses during the school day and hand them to staff overnight in a bid to break the "addiction". The move comes amid concerns expressed recently by SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth that mobile devices “can affect brain development”. By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph.