ISC Daily News Summary

iNews reports details of the impact of VAT on independent school fees will be published by Labour alongside the Budget on 30 October. Verified by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the long-awaited assessment on how the policy will affect independent and state schools will be revealed just eight weeks before it comes into force. By Jane Merrick. 

Michelle Catterson, executive headteacher at a school for children with dyslexia, has called for an exemption for specialist educational need settings when VAT is introduced on independent school fees. Moon Hall School in Reigate educates many students who have an additional diagnosis, such as ADHD, dyspraxia or autism. Ms Catterson said children attend her school "out of necessity" not as a "lifestyle choice". She continued: "There is absolutely no way schools such as mine can absorb the VAT themselves, it's just not possible." By Charlie Rose, and Emily Coady-Stemp, BBC News.

In the latest ISC video diary, ISC chief executive Julie Robinson reflects on the second half of this year's Lib Dem Conference, which featured a panel event on the importance of independent-state school partnerships. 

In an article for Tes, safeguarding lead Thomas Michael reflects on the violent disorder that took place across the UK this summer, incited by misinformation spread online. He states: "It was a stark reminder that actions taken on the internet have consequences in the real world - and that is something that should be reinforced to our pupils." Mr Michael advises schools to teach pupils about the SIFT method; a four-step process for identifying fake news or misinformation online. 

Higher tuition fees and direct government funding are needed to ensure the higher education sector "does not slide into decline", according to proposals from Universities UK, seen by BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The group representing 141 UK universities claims: “Universities lose money teaching UK students - and that deficit has grown year on year... We have to halt that. If investment in teaching students had kept up with inflation, funding per student would be in the region of £12,000-£13,000.” Record numbers of domestic students begin classes this month, but the number of international students is down. Tuition fees for domestic students have been capped at £9,250 in England since 2017. By Vanessa Clarke and Laura Hendry, BBC News.

As the Girls' Schools Association (GSA) celebrates its 150th anniversary, Irena Barker at Independent School Management Plus interviews its new president, Alex Hutchinson. Ms Hutchinson, who is also headmistress of James Allen’s Girls’ School, reflects on the GSA's history and looks ahead to the future, saying: "We want to inspire and shape young women's futures and to celebrate their power and potential."