ISC Daily News Summary

In a letter to The Times, Mark Steed, former principal and chief executive of Berkhamsted and Stamford Schools, says independent schools are an overlooked contributor to the UK's international standing, with former pupils around the world helping to foster long-term links with Britain. Highlighting the sector's expanding overseas presence, he urges ministers to recognise their vital role, saying: "Independent schools’ reach in promoting British values and practice now extends even further as franchise schools are established overseas. Independent schools remain on the front line of promoting Britain."
The letter appears halfway down the page.

Prime minister Andy Burnham has vowed to "rebuild a comprehensive education system" to establish parity between academic and technical education. Addressing delegates at the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool yesterday, Mr Burnham said too many young people had been "cast adrift" by an education system "overly focused on the university route". He outlined some of the government's plans, which include a 45-day work placement for students aged 16-18, apprenticeship opportunities for 18-year-olds and shorter wait times for mental health support. By Jabed Ahmed and John Roberts, Tes.

Sure Start-style health services will be extended to all family hubs in England under plans to be announced by Yvette Cooper, the health secretary. Ms Cooper will present the move at the Labour conference today as restoring the principles behind one of party's flagship programmes. Parents will receive help with infant feeding, mental health and bonding with their babies, in addition to health visits and midwifery support. By Laura Donnelly, The Telegraph.

Writing in Tes, Charli Faux, subject lead for PSHE and school mental health lead at Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School in Hertfordshire, says the government's updated relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) guidance should prompt schools to look beyond online safety and address the role of television and popular culture in shaping young people's views of relationships. "We need to teach young people to consume entertainment through a more critical lens. The updated RSHE guidance and updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) framework provide the tools to do this," she explains.

Cases of antisemitism affecting university students and staff in the UK increased in the last academic year, according to data from the Community Security Trust. The charity, which monitors antisemitic incidents, said it had recorded 95 "university-related" incidents in the 2025-26 academic year, up from 83 the previous year. Lucy Powell, the education secretary, said the findings were "deeply troubling". By Hazel Shearing, BBC News.