Last updated 02/03/2007
EDUCATION - FURTHER EDUCATION
Ask the right people, or you'll get the wrong answers
The Guardian
27/02/2007
The government must consult a wider range of groups on further education reforms, says Mary Bousted.
Group therapy
The Guardian
27/02/2007
This article discusses whether the new elite organisation, 157 Group, for colleges will help or hinder the sector, and assesses the issue of privatisation of further education.
EDUCATION - HIGHER EDUCATION
HSE to act on staff stress
Times Higher Education Supplement
23/02/2007
Hopes have been raised that all universities will improve working conditions after the health and safety watchdog made clear that it is ready to take "enforcement action" against institutions that fail to tackle staff stress.
Universities call for extra funds
BBC Education News
26/02/2007
Scotland's universities have called for a funding increase of 15% over three years from the Scottish Executive. They are hoping the additional £168m will help them carry out more research, invest in staff pay and increase student numbers by 4,000.
Universities risk fines for taking in too many students
The Independent
24/02/2007
Many of England's most popular universities may risk incurring government "fines" this autumn by recruiting more students than they are allowed.
EDUCATION - SCHOOLS
Audit office criticises spiralling cost of academies
The Guardian
23/02/2007
The prime minister's flagship academies programme is raising attainment levels in deprived areas - but at huge cost, a National Audit Office report said today.
Brown pressed on academies VAT row
FT
23/02/2007
Gordon Brown is coming under pressure to resolve a row over tax rules that prevent flagship city academies from opening their doors to local communities. The National Audit Office warned that academies were being held back by Treasury rules that make them liable for VAT on their entire construction costs - averaging £24m - if they hire out their facilities for more than 10 per cent of available time.
Brown's last budget to focus on education
The Guardian
23/02/2007
Gordon Brown will signal next month that education will be the focus of his premiership when he sketches out plans for government spending in what is expected to be his 11th and final budget.
Government dismisses Muslim school guidance document
The Guardian
21/02/2007
The government has dismissed calls from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) for schools to do more to accommodate Muslim pupils who want to wear a headscarf or grow a beard. The Department for Education and Skills distanced itself from the MCB's guidance by saying "This is not official guidance and is not endorsed by the government, nor does it have any binding power whatsoever on schools."
New alarm at lack of vetting for school staff
The Guardian
26/02/2007
Post-Soham checks still not in place.
Private schools 'must show public benefit'
The Guardian
26/02/2007
The Charity Commission is today refusing to comment on reports that independent schools will have to offer more free places to poorer pupils if the want to keep their charitable status and remain eligible for tax breaks worth an estimated £100m a year.
Schools advised on knife searches
BBC Education News
22/02/2007
Draft guidance has been issued on how schools in England should search pupils for guns or knives without consent.
Schools 'should lose selection powers'
The Guardian
26/02/2007
Faith schools and academies should lose the power to select their own pupils, says new research that claims self-selection is failing to reflect local pupil population.
