ISC Daily News Summary

Prince George will go to school at Eton College in September, Kensington Palace has announced. His father, the Prince of Wales, also attended the independent school in Berkshire, where pupils start at the age of 13. Prince George, who is second in line of succession to the throne, will turn 13 next month. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News. 

In a written question in the House of Commons, opposition assistant whip Andrew Snowden asked the education secretary what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the VAT on fees policy on demand for school places in state schools. Responding, early education minister Olivia Bailey said the Treasury has published a tax information and impact note on applying VAT to independent school fees, which "includes the government’s estimates of the number of pupils expected to enter the state sector as a result of this policy". Hansard.

Social media companies will be barred from the UK if they fail to ban under-16s, technology secretary Liz Kendall has warned. She suggested that Ofcom, the online regulator, would take action to "disrupt" the tech firms' services in the UK should they repeatedly refuse to obey laws banning children from social media. Responding to social media companies' criticism of the government’s plans, Ms Kendall said: "Enough is enough. They should clean their act up." Halfway through the article, readers share their opinions on the social media ban. By Charles Hymas, The Telegraph.

In a letter to The Times, Mark Pyper, a former principal of Gordonstoun School, urges ministers to reconsider the age at which young people should be banned from social media. He says restrictions at the age of 14 "when parents and teachers are more influential" would likely be more impactful, and "the regulations proposed would be more credible". Mr Pyper concludes: "Properly educated and well brought-up 14-year-olds have a surprisingly mature understanding of what is what in our world." The letter is at the top of the page.

Writing in The Times, columnist Alice Thomson argues that restricting social media access for under-16s alone will not improve young people's lives unless alternative activities and support are provided. While welcoming the ban, Ms Thomson suggests Britain should follow the example of the Netherlands, where smartphone restrictions in schools, strong youth programmes, outdoor activities and greater independence for children are linked to higher levels of wellbeing.

Teen creators have told BBC News the government’s planned social media ban could harm creative careers and limit opportunities to build audiences online. While they recognise risks such as bullying and harmful content, many argue that better regulation and parental supervision would be more effective than a blanket ban. Ziame Stewart tells the broadcaster he barely remembers a time he was not performing for social media. "Imagine if this ban was put through ages ago – we wouldn't have any of this music," he says. By Tiffanie Turnbull, BBC News.

Headteachers will be "strongly encouraged" to restrict pupils using phones during the school day, Anna Brychan, Wales' education minister, has said, promising to set "clear national expectations on how mobile phones are used in schools". Some schools already limit pupils' use of their phones, including by locking them in pouches at the start of the day. Ms Brychan said she would start consulting on rules for schools and councils in September. By Daniel Davies, BBC News.

In a new blog for the ISC to mark National Thank a Teacher Day, Lawrence Collins, head of Heathfield Knoll School, explains how the occasion presents a special opportunity to celebrate – and express our gratitude for – teachers and support staff. 

In an extensive interview with The Times, Katharine Birbalsingh, founder of Michaela Community School, argues that strict discipline, high expectations and strong routines are key to transforming pupils' lives. Despite criticism that her methods are overly rigid, the school consistently achieves exceptional academic results, with many students from disadvantaged backgrounds progressing to top universities. Pupils "adore being with the teachers and have a wonderful relationship with them", she says. By Alice Thomson.