There was a time when a Labour government saw independent schools as central to delivering its education strategy.

There has been a sharp rise in the salary gap between male and female leaders of the 100 biggest academy trusts, Tes analysis reveals.

The Inspiring Futures through Learning trust and Chiltern Learning Trust hope to merge next year if their plan gets DfE approval.

The trust will take on 10 new schools if plans are approved this month, amid a wider consolidation of Catholic academies.