ISC Daily News Summary

Cognita, one of Britain’s largest independent school operators, says the UK market has "softened" after the introduction of VAT on school fees, prompting the organisation to sell or close several schools outside London, halving the number of UK institutions it owns. In January 2025, Cognita operated 39 schools in the UK, but following a strategic review after the new tax was imposed, the number has fallen to 18, with 16 located around London. Speaking to The Sunday Times, a spokesperson said the losses did "not reflect the underlying performance of the business", adding: "In the UK, following a strategic review, we have made changes to our school network. We are proud of our presence in the UK and remain confident in the long-term prospects, as reflected in our continued significant investment in our remaining schools." By William Turvill. 

In response to a letter calling for choir schools to admit more pupils from state schools, David Morton, chairman of the Choir Schools Association (CSA), writes to The Sunday Telegraph to note that his organisation supports both state and independent schools, working to ensure "as many children as possible can enjoy and benefit from this outstanding musical and educational opportunity, and contribute to our unique British choral tradition." Mr Morton adds: "Where school fees are charged, the CSA is committed, alongside other trusts and the schools and cathedrals themselves, to providing bursary support, to make choristership accessible to all." 

In a separate letter, Alyson Persson from West Sussex recalls being captivated by the young voices at Exeter Cathedral. "I sincerely hope that choir schools are supported to carry on providing such divine moments," she adds.
The letters appear below halfway.

Children using social media for more than three hours a day are more likely to develop depression and anxiety as teenagers, according to researchers at Imperial College London, who said the impact was likely to be linked to a lack of sleep caused by using social media late at night. Their study, which was set up in 2014 and analysed data from 2,350 children at 31 London schools on cognition, adolescence, and mobile phone use, also found the link to depression was stronger in girls. Published in BMC Medicine, the study urged secondary schools to teach digital literacy and sleep awareness, while noting more research is needed given how much social media has changed since 2014–2018. By Jessica Murray, The Guardian. 

In an article for Schools Week, Racheal Smith, head of parent-friendly schools at Parentkind, says the Schools White Paper presents a chance for schools to truly engage with parents on their children’s learning. Referencing her charity's national parent survey from 2024, which found that more than half of secondary school parents do not get clear information to support their child’s learning at home, Ms Smith writes: "Anyone working in schools will recognise that not all parents get it right all of the time, but we can also recognise the potential for better relationships and stronger partnerships to support children."

The peak of a fatal meningitis outbreak, believed have originated in a Canterbury nightclub, has passed according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The UKHSA count of confirmed cases fell yesterday from 23 to 20 and suspected cases were reduced from 11 to nine after further testing. Authorities said this morning that there had been no change to the figures. By Craig Buchan, BBC News.