ISC Daily News Summary

A special report in The Telegraph warns that the government's VAT on fees policy poses a serious threat to the talent pipeline feeding into English rugby. With fewer scholarships available and falling school rolls, rugby leaders say the sport’s player base, community ties, and future professional talent could suffer long-term damage. Telegraph Sport spoke to a number of individuals - including England back-rowers Tom and Ben Curry, who both benefited from independent school bursaries - to find out more about the potential impact of the VAT policy. Guy Ayling, headmaster at Mount Kelly and rugby lead for HMC (The Heads’ Conference) tells the paper he sees the tax policy as an "existential threat", adding that "independent schools can be fantastic vehicles for social mobility". Mark Hopley, head of Northampton Saints' academy, oversees a diverse catchment area that includes both independent and selective state schools. He says: "The really good independent schools on our patch have contributed to our success." The article, which mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations, is written by Charlie Morgan, who concludes: "VAT on school fees may not cause English rugby union to collapse, but it certainly seems likely to stretch its fabric and inflict damage in the process." 

Alleyn’s School has announced plans to expand across London for the first time in its 400-year history. Two new branches, in Regent's Park and Hampstead, will be run by Cognita as part of efforts to "reach more pupils". Speaking to The Telegraph, head of Alleyn's Jane Lunnon said: "We are thrilled to be expanding north of the river with the opening of Alleyn’s Regent’s Park and Alleyn’s Hampstead. Both schools already have an incredible energy and commitment to developing the mind and heart of every child with creativity, aspiration and joy." By Poppy Wood. 

A survey of teachers across the UK has found that the overwhelming majority want specific guidance on how to tackle the rise of online misogyny. Researchers at the University of York warn the popularity of influencers like Andrew Tate has contributed to an increase in misogyny in the classroom, with boys using them "to justify harassment or derogation of women". By Poppy Wood, The Telegraph. 

A study by the Sutton Trust has found that medical schools are lowering entry requirements for disadvantaged students to boost diversity, with many offering "contextual offers" or "gateway" courses. Despite this, the report highlights that independent school pupils remain more likely to receive offers compared to their state school peers. Calling for urgent action to widen access to the medical profession, Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said: "It’s outrageous that working-class kids make up just five per cent of medical students, especially when the NHS is facing a chronic shortage of doctors and a heavy reliance on overseas recruitment." By Poppy Wood, The Telegraph.

Subject experts are urging education secretary Bridget Phillipson to ensure climate change is more thoroughly integrated into the school curriculum. An open letter signed by climate scientists, academics, and education leaders will say that preparing young people for a future impacted by climate change is a critical issue for the government’s curriculum and assessment review. By Mark Gould, Tes. 

A report by children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has highlighted systemic failures in services for 950 young people caught up in the youth justice system. The children's commissioner is calling for schools to become statutory safeguarding partners alongside local authorities, health services, and police. She is also recommending that all school exclusions trigger interventions to address the underlying needs of the child, ensuring they are supported rather than pushed toward the justice system. By Mark Gould, Tes.