Falling pupil numbers should lead to smaller class sizes, says union
Falling pupil numbers in England's schools should be used to cut class sizes, the largest education union has said.
UK university’s axing of black studies MA has ‘dangerous parallel’ with US, says academic
A leading US civil rights scholar has urged Birmingham City University (BCU) to reverse its decision to close its black studies course, comparing it to the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion in the US.
Universities face international student ban if visa abuse is suspected
Universities will be stripped of the right to recruit international students if too many drop out from their courses over fears they are being exploited for visa abuse.
Ecological psychology and the classroom
A badly designed door can make intelligent people look stupid.
New HEPI Policy Note ‘A breed apart? What do young undergraduates think of controversial and divisive issues?’
A new HEPI Policy Note offers a fascinating insight into what today’s undergraduates think about some of the most controversial and divisive issues facing society.
Collaborating to be more competitive: how universities can work together to improve doctoral skills training
As Chinese universities surge in the Times Higher World University Rankings, provoking prognostications of a ‘new world order in global dominance of higher education and research’ (Phil Baty speaking to the New York Times), the global challenge for universities in the UK and...
Russell Group urges targeted action on study visa fraud to protect and support genuine students
Following government’s confirmation of tighter compliance measures, the Russell Group has published new recommendations to reinforce confidence in the student visa system.
Brand new dental school places in 'dental deserts'
Patients in so-called ‘dental deserts’ will benefit from the first sustained expansion of dental school places in nearly 20 years, with 50 extra dentists to be trained in the regions that need them most from 2027 onwards.
DfE Update 3 June
Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.
10 million free breakfasts served in schools across country
Ten million free breakfasts have been served to children across England through the government’s free breakfast club programme — unlocking 5 million hours of childcare and representing potential savings of up to £25 million in childcare costs for working families.
Investigation into Global Banking School Limited and Oxford Brookes University
On 9 January 2026 the Office for Students (OfS) opened an investigation of Global Banking School Limited and Oxford Brookes University, specifically in relation to Oxford Brookes University students taught by Global Banking School Limited through a partnership between the...
DfE urged to delay ‘devastating’ PE premium axing
‘Irresponsible’ scrapping of direct payments has come too late for next year’s budget planning, say leaders.
Smartglasses and earpieces may worsen exam cheating in schools, says Ofqual
Cheating in exams could be magnified by the new generation of wearable hi-tech devices such as smartglasses or invisible earpieces, according to England’s qualifications watchdog.
Social media ban must exclude educational content, MPs warn
With ministers considering a ban on social media for under-16s, a parliamentary group highlights the educational value of some content.
Ofqual must move ‘really fast’ on smart tech cheating, says chief regulator
Ofqual must “move really fast” to tackle the threat of smart glasses and other tech being used to cheat in exams, its chief regulator has said.
Tech-driven cheating demands ‘really fast’ action, says exams chief
High-tech devices such as smart watches pose a challenge that must not be underestimated, warns Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham.
City & Guilds threatened with legal action over ‘disgraceful’ staff cuts plan
A union is threatening awarding giant City & Guilds with “legal and industrial action” over its workforce redundancy plans.
School absence: Study urges focus on wider wellbeing factors
Lower life-satisfaction is associated with decreased school attendance suggesting a need to place wider wellbeing measures at the heart of efforts to address persistent absence.
Study shines light on ‘opaque’ exclusion practices in schools
Concerns have been raised about the growing use of “opaque” school exclusion practices that operate “outside of statutory oversight”.
Early Years Voice urges competition watchdog to look at funding rates within its review of childcare costs
Campaign group Early Years Voice (EYV) has written to the chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), urging her to undertake a ‘full market’ investigation into childcare charges, including whether the Government hourly funded rate set is ‘adequate’, as...