EDUCATION - FURTHER EDUCATION
Deputy Chief Executive moves on from AoC after fifteen years of service
AoC News Release
31/10/2008
Sue Dutton, Association of Colleges Deputy Chief Executive, is to move on from the association after over 15 years of service.
Government doubles Apprenticeships commitment
DIUS Press Release
27/10/2008
Over 1,000 apprentices will work in central government departments and agencies this academic year, more than double the original target.
New National Advancement Service will break down barriers to work
DIUS Press Release
29/10/2008
For the first time, the adult advancement and careers service (AACS) will provide a one-stop-shop for those seeking training and help into work but who also face problems in areas like childcare, money matters, housing and disability issues.
EDUCATION - HIGHER EDUCATION
Closer university-employer links urged
Universities UK Press Release
30/10/2008
Stepping Higher - a joint report by Universities UK and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)- highlights the benefits to businesses and the economy that come from working closely with universities.
Grants for middle-income students cut after blunder
The Guardian
30/10/2008
Government says it needs to plug £200m shortfall. Cap reduces university places available by 5,000.
Licenses to clampdown on fake overseas students
The Guardian
30/10/2008
Under new visa arrangements to deter bogus students, from March next year universities and colleges will need licences to teach overseas students. Students will have to be sponsored by a UK Border Agency-licensed education institution and supply their fingerprints
MPs to hold universities inquiry
BBC Education News
03/11/2008
MPs are to investigate some of the most controversial issues surrounding students and universities in the UK. The Commons innovation, universities and skills committee will look at a wide range of issues from student support to university admissions.
Ombudsman may name and shame
Times Higher Education
30/10/2008
The OIA will consider publishing its adjudications and naming the university involved.
Student complaints rising by 10% a year
The Guardian
29/11/2008
The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) said that the increase would continue, as it launched a consultation to improve the way students complaints are handled.
Universities review plagiarism policies to catch Facebook cheats
The Guardian
31/10/2008
Plagiarism experts have warned universities and colleges to be aware of students copying from each other when discussing coursework on social networking sites.
University tour promotes links between faiths
The Guardian
03/11/2008
A cross-party group of Jewish and Muslim MPs is beginning a tour of English university campuses today to promote better relations between students of different faiths.
EDUCATION - SCHOOLS
Big rise in parental complaints about school admissions
The Guardian
03/11/2008
The rise adds to concerns that many schools have failed to fully implement the governments new code on admissions, which outlaws interviewing pupils and asking about jobs or parents incomes in order to make the system of allocating school places more transparent.
Changing the way that schools deal with parents complaints
The Guardian
04/11/2008
The government is not convinced that some problems are being correctly dealt with and has launched a consultation to explore streamlining the process.
Over half state schools breach admission laws
The Guardian
04/11/2008
Hunter acknowledged that the majority of individual breaches of the code were by faith schools. He said it was in schools interests to meet the code to avoid litigation from angry parents.
Top private schools in Scotland warned over charity status
The Guardian
29/10/2008
Four leading private schools in Scotland were yesterday ordered to increase their spending on bursaries or risk being stripped of their charitable status.
