ISC Daily News Summary

ISC Daily News Summary 8 January 2026

Cambridge college plans to recruit more pupils from independent schools

Higher education
Fellows at Trinity Hall College, Cambridge, have approved a policy targeting students from a small group of so-called elite independent schools, reportedly over concerns of "reverse discrimination", The Guardian has learned. The move was opposed internally by a group of Trinity Hall academics, where a "targeted recruitment strategy" is used to individually approach about 50 independent schools to encourage applications in subjects including languages, music and classics. A spokesperson for the college said it "has a commitment to admit the best and brightest students regardless of background and has a strong record of access initiatives aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds". By Wilf Vall and Richard Adams. Also reported by Jessica Sharkey for The Times. Both papers state that Trinity Hall’s proportion of independently-educated students fell to 26 per cent in its most recent admissions data, down from 32 per cent in 2022.

New GCSE results app will be available this August

Examinations

GCSE students in England will be able to view their exams results on a digital government app for the first time this summer. Although headteachers have said students will still be encouraged to go into school on results day for "advice or support", the "education record" app will enable them to store a digital record of results for future use. The app will also hold information for schools and colleges on whether students have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). By Vanessa Clarke, BBC News. 

House of Commons written answer: Independent schools and SEND (fees)

Political

In a written question in the House of Commons, Nick Timothy, Opposition Assistant Whip, asked what information the Department for Education holds on fee increases for (a) independent schools and (b) non-maintained special schools since 2020. Responding, shadow education secretary Olivia Bailey said: "The department does not monitor increases to private school fees. This is a matter for individual schools." Hansard.

Ofsted MAT inspections could start in 2027, education secretary confirms

Academies and free schools

New Ofsted inspections of multi-academy trusts (MATs) could begin as early as 2027, Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has confirmed. Ministers will introduce legislation to enable MAT inspections via an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and the approach will be piloted before being rolled out. The inspections are not expected to begin before the 2027-28 academic year. By Lydia Chantler-Hicks, Schools Week. 

Writing exclusively for Tes, Ms Phillipson explains the government’s rationale for bringing trusts into Ofsted’s inspection remit. "Groups of schools coming together is the most sustainable way to secure better outcomes. But if collaboration is to work, accountability must keep pace", she writes.

'Feed the positive energy': A podcast interview with Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC

And finally

The latest episode of The Independent School Podcast features an interview with Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC). During the discussion, Ms Robinson talks about the importance of staying positive when leading through uncertainty, and how self-management and simple habits can help shape long-term resilience. The podcast is hosted by Juliet Corbett. 

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