ISC Daily News Summary

Ministers are reportedly set to abolish the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which measures schools on pupil attainment in English, maths, a language, a humanities subject, and a science. The Times understands that the change, due to be outlined in the government’s upcoming curriculum and assessment review report, will mean schools are no longer evaluated on the number of students taking modern foreign languages. The proposals are likely to alarm language organisations, who fear they could accelerate the long-term decline in modern language teaching. By Nicola Woolcock and Georgia Lambert.

Louie French, shadow minister for culture, media and sport, submitted a written question in the House of Commons asking what assessment the chancellor has made of the potential impact of recent fiscal measures, including the VAT on fees policy, on specialist music and dance schools. Responding, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson said that ministers had "conducted thorough and detailed analysis" before introducing the tax, "including on music and dance schools". He explained that the Department for Education provides means-tested bursaries for eligible families through the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) when a child has secured a place at one of the eight independent MDS performing arts schools, before adding: "The Department adjusted MDS bursary contributions for families with a relevant income below £45,000 to account for VAT on fees, ensuring that the total parental fee contributions for families with below average relevant incomes remain unchanged for the 2024/25 academic year." Mr Tomlinson then outlined additional details regarding the other fiscal measures. Hansard. 

Around 250 headteachers and chief executives of trusts have written to Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, urging her to go further than the government’s non-mandatory guidance on smartphones in schools and implement a full ban, arguing it would raise standards and reduce classroom disruption. The signatories to the open letter, which was co-ordinated by campaign group Generation Focus, warn that the presence of smartphones in schools also fuels the spread of harmful content, sexual abuse and bullying. By Mark Sellman, The Times.

Pairs of children's shoes were lined up outside council offices to symbolise pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) being "failed" by the system. Families came together in Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire to take part in the peaceful protest as part of a nationwide campaign, Every Pair Tells a Story, organised by The SEND Sanctuary UK. Speaking outside Gloucestershire County Council's Shire Hall, independent SEND advisor Jo Roberts highlighted the plight of families in need of support, warning they "have to wait years and years to get anything at all". Ministers are planning to publish their proposed reforms to the SEND system early next year. By Georgia Eadie, Paul Barltrop and Kirsten Robertson, BBC News.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) is to consult members about possible strike action after a High Court judge dismissed its attempt to challenge Ofsted’s new inspection framework for schools in England. The union sought permission to apply for a judicial review, claiming Ofsted failed to adequately consult on the new regime or give proper consideration to the serious negative impact on teachers’ wellbeing. By Sally Weale, The Guardian. 

Dominic Norrish, chief executive of the IAPS (formerly called the Independent Association of Prep Schools), has been appointed to succeed Dr Tim Coulson as CEO of the Unity Schools Partnership academy trust. Mr Norrish, who will take up the role in the new year, said he is "excited … to play a role supporting the brilliant work done by staff" across the trust’s secondary, primary and special schools. By Jack Dyson, Schools Week.