Greetings! In this week's edition of our UK Education and Career Newsletter, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of learning and professional growth, unveiling the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the future of Britain's educational and career horizons.

Our dedicated team has curated a wealth of insightful articles, expert analyses, and thought-provoking perspectives, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of the discourse shaping the future of education and career pathways in the UK.

Embrace this opportunity to expand your knowledge, challenge conventional wisdom, and unlock the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Together, we will embark on an exhilarating journey of learning and professional development, propelling our collective aspirations towards excellence.

Thank you for your unwavering trust and for joining us on this enlightening expedition. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and empowered as we navigate the dynamic realms of education and career pursuits in the United Kingdom.

SCHOOLS

Innovative Approach to Attract and Retain Teachers: School Offers One Day Off Fortnightly

In a bid to motivate staff and attract new talent to the teaching profession, St Peter's Catholic School in Solihull is trialling a unique scheme for a year, starting in September. Full-time teaching staff will be given one day off per fortnight, believed to be the only such initiative in the West Midlands and the only Catholic school in the country to implement it. The scheme aims to address workload concerns and promote staff wellbeing without impacting teachers' salaries, planning time, or the length of their working days.

School Kitchens Repurposed for Eco-Friendly Food Delivery Service

Carr Junior School in York has launched an innovative eco-friendly food delivery service called School Kitchen, utilising its underused kitchen facilities. Customers can order cuisines like Sri Lankan, Thai, Mexican, or Spanish, with a portion of the profits benefiting the school's funding. The scheme aims to get more use out of school kitchens while boosting educational resources and fostering community connections through initiatives like cooking lessons and urban farming for students.

Kent Students Triumph in National Formula 1 Challenge, Securing International Bid

A group of six students from Simon Langton School in Canterbury, Kent, emerged victorious in the national Formula 1 in Schools UK competition, outshining nearly 300 other competitors. The LEAF1 team designed, manufactured, and raced their model Formula 1 car, showcasing their skills in speed, engineering quality, brand identity, and presentation. Their success has earned them the opportunity to compete on the international stage at the F1 in Schools World Finals, as well as scholarships, work placements, and exclusive F1 experiences.

IFS Report Highlights Concerning Education Gaps in Wales, Calls for Major Reforms

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report has raised concerns about the significant achievement gaps between disadvantaged pupils and their classmates in Wales, as well as low scores in international reading, maths, and science tests. The report suggests that major changes are needed to address these issues, including a potential delay in the reform of GCSEs to align with efforts to improve performance and reduce inequalities. The IFS warns that without substantial reforms based on solid evidence, including a stronger emphasis on knowledge acquisition in the new curriculum, the education picture in Wales may worsen further.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Concerns Raised Over College Funding Cuts Hindering Fair Access to Higher Education

Scotland's commissioner on fair access to higher education, Prof John McKendrick, expressed concerns about the Scottish government not being on track to meet its targets for widening access. He fears that college funding cuts could deny some students the "springboard" they need to get to university, potentially hindering progress towards fair access goals. Despite the government's claim of "clear progress" in recent years, a recent report indicated that progress had "stalled" at around 16.5% against the 20% target for students from the most deprived areas entering higher education by 2030.

Outstanding Achievement: St John Rigby RC Sixth Form College Excels Again

St John Rigby RC Sixth Form College in Wigan, Greater Manchester, received an 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted for the second time, seven years after its first grade. Inspectors praised the college's quality of teaching, highly motivated students, and excellent support system. The college collaborates with stakeholders to meet local skills needs, introducing new programmes like engineering.

IfATE Downsizing Workforce Amid DfE Efficiency Drive

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is restructuring and offering voluntary exit schemes to staff, following instructions from the Department for Education to find savings. Despite expanded responsibilities, IfATE's workforce is being trimmed after staff costs soared from £14.4 million to £21.5 million over two years, with the number of employees rising from 200 to 298.

Marginal Improvement in Apprenticeship Achievement Rates

The proportion of apprentices completing their training and assessment grew marginally to 54.3% last year, according to new figures. Achievement rates on the new standards rose by 2.9 percentage points to 51.4% but still fell short of the government's 67% target. Despite slight improvements, dropout rates remained high, with 44% of apprentices dropping out before the end-point assessment.

HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Suffolk's Dental Course to Boost Oral Health Access

The University of Suffolk's new BSc (Hons) dental hygiene and dental therapy programme, with its first batch of 24 students, is deemed "very important" in addressing local dental professional needs. The course leader believes it will "make a big, big difference" to oral health accessibility in Suffolk and beyond, amidst a nationwide shortage of NHS dental appointments.

University Grapples with £14M Budget Shortfall, Staff Raise Concerns

University of Essex staff are reportedly worried as the institution addresses a nearly £14 million shortfall in next year's budget. A 38% drop in international postgraduate applications has been cited as the primary cause, prompting the university to announce a freeze on staff pay. The vice chancellor's email detailing measures like delayed promotions and postponed nationally agreed pay awards for up to 11 months caught union representatives off-guard. While the university attributes the decline to sector-wide trends, some staff believe government visa policies and recruitment strategies may also be contributing factors.

University of Kent to Phase Out Six Subjects Amid Financial Challenges, Cut 58 Jobs

The University of Kent has confirmed plans to phase out six subjects, including art history, anthropology, health and social care, journalism, music and audio technology, and philosophy and religious studies, following a consultation. The decision comes as the university proposes to cut 58 jobs in an attempt to respond to financial challenges. While some subjects like modern languages and English literature will continue, others will be aligned closely with other areas or offered through a new "composite" course. The university aims to finalise future staffing plans by mid-April and inform students about available module and supervision options by the end of April.

SKILLS & TRAINING

Financial Crime Compliance Academy Offers Training and Jobs

The Department for the Economy-funded Financial Crime Compliance Assured Skills Academy provides five weeks of training at Belfast Met and Ulster University. Participants gain practical knowledge for roles in the sector. Successful applicants are guaranteed job interviews with Treliant at their Belfast office after completing the programme focused on areas like AML, transaction monitoring, and financial crime.

STA Launches Online Skills Hub with New Installer Training Scheme

The Structural Timber Association (STA) has unveiled an online Skills Hub incorporating the new STA Installer Training Scheme (ITS). This initiative aims to improve access to high-quality timber skills training and provide a highly-skilled workforce to support the government's Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap. The ITS replaces the previous TFCAS and offers sector-specific learning for structural timber installation.

Outcry as Workers' Educational Association Faces Loss of £1.3M Grant in North East

Protests have erupted in Durham and Tyneside after the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) was informed it will lose its £1.3 million annual grant from the incoming North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA). The charity warns that this move risks dozens of courses and the jobs of 72 tutors. While NEMCA insists WEA and others can compete for new contracts, the charity cautions it will be bidding for a smaller funding pot with no guarantee of success, potentially leading to fewer community-based lessons and impacting around 1,600 learners across the region.

CAREER

Co-operative Bank Plans Workforce Reduction

The Co-operative Bank has announced plans to cut around 400 jobs, approximately 10% of its workforce, through an operating model restructure. The decision aims to reduce costs as part of the bank's strategic plan, and consultations with staff and trade unions are underway to support affected employees.

Union Urges Government Action to Secure Hitachi Rail Plant's Future

Unite has called on the government to extend a contract for the Hitachi rail plant in County Durham, citing concerns over the plant's future as current contracts near completion. With work set to end later this year, the union urges swift action to tender an extension, safeguarding skilled jobs and supporting the UK's rail manufacturing sector.

Greater Manchester Chamber Partners with Employment Hero to Support Local Businesses

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has announced a partnership with Employment Hero, a global payroll and benefits platform, to support small firms, particularly in customer-facing sectors like care and hospitality where vacancies are hard to fill. By offering discounted access to Employment Hero's services, GMCC aims to strengthen the local business ecosystem and provide resources to help SMEs manage HR challenges.

POLITICAL OUTLOOK

Bristol City Council Secures £53.7M Bailout for SEND Deficit, Reforms Mandated

Bristol City Council has obtained a £53.7 million bailout from the Department for Education to address a massive deficit caused by overspending on education due to rising demand for special educational needs and disability (SEND) support. The bailout comes with strict conditions, requiring the council to reform its SEND provision and services through the government's Safety Valve Agreements programme. Without intervention, the council's SEND costs were projected to exceed £133 million over the next two years. The council aims to improve outcomes for SEND students while operating sustainably through co-designed initiatives with stakeholders.

Petition Urges UK to Give More Time for Foreign Healthcare Workers Hit by Sponsor Crackdown

An online petition calling for the UK government to extend the job search period for foreign healthcare workers, many from India, whose employment was disrupted due to tighter rules on sponsor organisations has garnered hundreds of signatures. The new rules require care providers to register with the regulator, leaving some workers stranded when sponsors lose their licence, with only 60 days to find a new job.

EVENTS

Birmingham Jobs Fair 2024: Face-to-Face Recruitment Opportunity

The Birmingham Jobs Fair 2024, scheduled on April 3rd at Aston Villa, offers employers an affordable platform to connect with over 1,000 job seekers, fill vacancies across industries, and explore branding and networking prospects. With 34 exhibitors, it promises a productive recruitment event through face-to-face interactions.

GA's Annual Conference 2024: Exploring Geography's Relevance for All

The Geographical Association's Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024, held from April 4-6 at the University of Manchester, UK, aims to highlight the significance of geography in students' lives across ages and aspirations. With an expected turnout of 1,000-5,000 visitors and 100-500 exhibitors, the event promises insightful discussions on the subject's importance.

HALL OF FAME THIS WEEK

Resilient Survivor Wins Award for Pre-School Leadership After Devastating Gas Explosion

Jessica Williams, 34, overcame life-changing injuries sustained in a 2020 gas explosion that flattened her home, winning the Higher Apprentice of the Year award. Despite suffering burns on 70% of her body and spending a month in a coma, the mother-of-two fought back, achieving a higher apprenticeship in children's care. Her resilience and dedication to building a successful career as a preschool leader at Ser Bach y Cwm Nursery in Ystradgynlais earned her prestigious recognition.