Education News

BBC News - Education & Family
The latest stories from the Education & Family section of the BBC News web site.
last updated: Feb 04 2012 4:49 AM
- Universities warned over access
The incoming fair access watchdog says universities will be fined for failing to recruit more students from poorer backgrounds.
- Academy school results 'inflated'
The results of England's academy schools are being inflated by the over-use of vocational equivalents, analysis suggests.
- Children's access rights pledge
Children are to get legal rights to maintain relationships with both their parents, as part of a shake-up of the family justice system.
- Union plea to delay exams change
Schools should be allowed to delay a new exam system if they are not ready to implement it, Scotland's largest teaching union says.
- Loans boss 'to pay tax at source'
The head of the Student Loans Company will have tax and National Insurance payments deducted from his £182,000 pay package in future, ministers say.
- University places go to colleges
Further education colleges are going to offer thousands more degree places, previously provided by universities.
- Shouting out 'helps pupils learn'
Pupils who shout out in class achieve better results than their counterparts who appear to be better behaved and quiet, suggests research.
- Asbestos in schools a 'scandal'
The presence of killer fibre asbestos in most UK state schools constitutes a "national scandal", says an all-party group of parliamentarians.
- Dinner ladies win equal pay row
Nearly 1,000 female workers, including dinner ladies, cleaners and carers, are to receive five years' back pay in a conclusion to an equality dispute with Bury Council.
- Most new apprentices are over 25
More than two-thirds of the apprenticeships created in England in the past five years have gone to the over 25s, a report from spending watchdog shows.
- Governors 'blamed over schools'
As two councils apply to dismiss their school governors, the Liberal Democrats warn they may be blamed for falling standards.
- Special education change defended
Northern Ireland's Department of Education is planning to scrap the statements which guarantee extra help to pupils with special education needs.
- Gove: Academy opponents 'Trots'
Education Secretary Michael Gove, facing questions from MPs and Twitter, says academy opponents are "Trots", promises a new measure for schools and chooses his favourite Bond villain.
- Vocational exams cut from tables
Ministers cut the GCSE-equivalent value of 3,100 vocational qualifications, such as hair services and horse care, ending their recognition in school league tables.
- Literacy of young 'must improve'
Wales' schools inspection service raises concerns about literacy levels and says exam results are not improving as quickly as other parts of the UK.

