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News archive 4: 1-4 September
- 1-4 september This week's headlines include the announcement of plans to require schools to admit the siblings of pupils, research suggesting that children of controlling parents are more likely to develop mental illnesses, and the launch of a new core maths qualification for sixth form pupils.
- New core maths qualification to prepare teens for "real life" (3/9/2015) The DfE has launched a new core maths qualification for sixth-form pupils, to be taught from this week. The qualification is designed to teach pupils "real life" maths skills, and better equip them for future education and employment.
- Parents splash out on expensive homes to secure school places (2/9/2015) A survey has found that parents are willing to pay significant premiums on houses close to desirable schools. One quarter admitted to having bought or rented a second home within the catchment area of their chosen school.
- Parents under pressure to donate to schools, research suggests (3/9/2015) Research has found that at least 100 English schools are illegally informing parents they are required to make donations to school funds. Many of those found to be breaking the rules are faith schools.
- Prime minister announces launch of 18 new free schools (2/9/2015) David Cameron has launched 18 new free schools, and has said he will not relax his free schools election commitment. However, critics have suggested that the academy and free school policy is "ideological" and not supported by evidence.
- Siblings to get priority in school admissions (1/9/2015) Schools minister Nick Gibb has announced plans to make it compulsory for schools to prioritise siblings of current pupils in admission arrangements. However, critics are concerned that this will lead to increased class sizes.
- Watching TV 'could cause pupils to drop grades at GCSE' Research has suggested that watching TV can have an adverse effect on pupils' grades at GCSE. The effect is seen even when pupils also spend extra time on homework or reading.