ISC Daily News Summary

Countries across the world will compare experiences of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and agree "clear action plans" under a new alliance, Bridget Phillipson has announced. Calling on ministers attending the Education World Forum to take part in her new international SEND alliance, the education secretary said: "Armed with comparable data on the teaching profession, we can work together to improve outcomes for young people in classrooms across the world." By Samantha Booth, Schools Week. 

Minister's proposed new individual support plans being proposed for pupils with SEND risk becoming "light EHCPs" and increasing bureaucracy in the system, headteachers’ leaders have warned. Responding to the Department for Education’s consultation on SEND reforms, which closed yesterday, union the NAHT has also called for an overhaul of special needs provision to ensure funding is based on the assessed needs of children at a school. By John Roberts, Tes. 

The Telegraph looks at the impact of the government's VAT on fees policy, citing figures from the ISC showing more than 100 independent schools have closed since January 2025. Amid increasing financial pressure, including the new tax, Hutchesons' Grammar School has announced it is merging its primary and secondary campuses on a single site in the south of Glasgow. The school said its "co-location plans were hastened by the imposition of VAT on school fees", which had led to a 10 per cent drop in pupil numbers. Speaking to the paper, Mark Ronan, the school’s rector, added: "The co-location project signals that Hutchesons’ Grammar School is investing for the future." By Simon Johnson.

Sunshine, a dog rescued from the streets of Cyprus, has been named the UK’s 2026 School Dog of the Year. The award-winning canine works at Octavia House Schools, London, a specialist school providing education and therapy for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, many of whom have experienced adverse childhood experiences. During regular visits with her owner, Laura Freeman, Sunshine offers comfort, reassurance and emotional support. School Management Plus visits the school to find out more about how Sunshine's presence has led to measurable improvements in pupils’ attendance, self-esteem and ability to build relationships.