08-04-2024
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Welcome to another invigorating issue of our weekly UK Education and
Career Newsletter. Over the past seven days, momentous events have continued to
shape Britain's academic and professional spheres. This week, delve into the
latest developments ranging from advancing apprenticeship opportunities to
emerging university programmes.
For discerning
learners, we analyse pressing topics impacting curricula and standards across
Britain's schools. Aspiring professionals can explore updates within coveted
career fields. Recent graduates will discover insightful coverage around
maximising employment prospects.
Our editorial
team has distilled the week's most impactful news and trends to empower you
with indispensable knowledge. Let us be your trusted guide, unveiling a world
of possibilities.
Within these
pages, glimpse your future taking form. We hope you discover inspiration to
propel your academic journey and career trajectory to new heights. Thank you
for joining us on this continued adventure of insight.
Concern Over
Explicit WhatsApp Group
North Bromsgrove High School and Sixth
Form issued a warning
about a WhatsApp group called "Add People" sharing explicit images
with children as young as 9. Over 200 pupils were included. Police are
investigating the safeguarding issue. The school and police advised monitoring
children's social media use. Concerned parents felt the school should take more
responsibility.
New Special
Needs School Proposed for Rayleigh
Essex County
Council has launched a consultation on plans for a new special needs school in
Rayleigh for ages 3-18, to be built at Wolsey Park from 2025 pending approval.
The school aims to address demand in the area. MP Mark Francois and the council
urged public feedback. The developer welcomed the prospect of the new school at
the site.
Spike in
Permanent Exclusions Among Bristol Students
Permanent
school exclusions in Bristol have risen sharply, especially among ethnic
minorities. Nearly 75 students were excluded this academic year, more than
double the prior two years. The council plans early intervention in primary
schools. Officials expressed concern over the "school-to-prison
pipeline." Inexperienced leadership and recruitment challenges are blamed
for the spike's negative impact.
Northern
Ireland Schools Face Funding Crisis
Schools in
Northern Ireland are struggling with inadequate budgets, unable to provide
basic necessities like first aid and soap. Teacher unions called off strikes
after new funds were released, but may resume action if pay disputes remain
unresolved. Officials urged prioritising education funding in the upcoming
budget to address urgent sector problems.
Birmingham
Considers Cutting Post-16 Transport Support
Facing a financial
crisis, Birmingham City Council is reviewing non-statutory transport for college
students to save over £7m, proposing increased parent fees. This could exclude
vulnerable and SEND students. Recommendations for more online learning also
raise concerns. The consultation has caused anxiety as the council struggles
with its bankrupt status.
Anger Over
Axe of Learner Destination Data Collection
The
government's decision to stop collecting learner destination data in the ILR
from 2024 has sparked a backlash from mayoral authorities concerned about
alternative systems. The move, seen by some as simplification but criticised
for lack of consultation and new funding, tracked progression into jobs, apprenticeships,
or further study. Authorities may create their own tools in response amid calls
to review ditching the longstanding ILR data.
Aberdeen
University Staff Strike Over Language Cuts
University of
Aberdeen staff will strike for six days in March amid plans to cut modern
language jobs. The union reported an 80% vote for action after the university
refused to rule out redundancies and failed to provide financial information. A
petition against the cuts gained over 17,000 signatures. The university
expressed disappointment and sought a resolution.
Investigation
into Leeds Trinity University's Subcontracting
The Office for
Students has launched its first-ever investigation into a university's
subcontracting arrangements, scrutinising Leeds Trinity University's
partnerships with colleges and private providers. This inquiry aims to assess
course quality, governance, and compliance amid concerns. The university stated
its commitment to transparency and compliance. The probe follows a report
citing fraud in franchising.
T Level
Awarding Body Takes £2.5m Hit from Low Recruitment
Major T Level
awarding organisation NCFE wrote off over £2.5m due to under-recruitment, as
its latest accounts show an "impairment charge" deficit. The charity
does not expect the same surplus from the new demand-sensitive, risk-laden
contracts. Surveys found 11 out of 18 college T Level subjects under-recruited,
especially digital, health and construction. DfE acknowledged enrolment
variations and recruitment challenges.
Apprenticeship
Starts Decline After Funding Change
Apprenticeship
starts dropped 12% in November 2023 vs 2022, attributed to fast-tracked 54%
funding increases for English and maths. The change, affecting only new
starters, impacted young apprentices most, with a 20?crease among 16–18-year-olds.
Despite higher level growth, the overall increase this academic year has been
reduced.
Addressing
Skills Gap in Lancashire's Textile Sector
The
"Licence to Sew" programme in Lancashire trains machinists to meet
textile manufacturing needs and provide job opportunities. Utilising shared
prosperity funding, it collaborates with The Sewing Rooms to upskill locals,
support businesses, and create skilled jobs in West Lancashire. The initiative
addresses pressing skills gaps to cultivate a workforce supporting
manufacturing firms.
Four-Day
Week Trial in UK Hailed as Major Success
The UK's
largest four-day working week trial yielded overwhelmingly positive results,
with 89% of companies still using the policy. Benefits included better staff well-being,
lower turnover, and increased productivity. Most employees reported personal
life and work performance improvements. The successful trial has spurred calls
for wider adoption and public sector pilots.
Aston Martin
Expands Workforce for New Sports Car Production
Luxury carmaker
Aston Martin is adding 150 jobs at its Wales factory and 250 agency roles at
its Midlands HQ to support building its next-generation sports cars and DBX707
SUV. The chief people officer welcomed the chance to provide more opportunities
for local communities, with the potential for agency staff to become permanent.
Expanding
Free Childcare for Working Parents
The UK
government is rolling out free childcare hours for working parents based on
child age, with 15 hours for under-twos and 30 hours for three to
four-year-olds, to encourage employment. Eligibility requires approved work
hours and income. Applications open before each term; costs may remain for
extras.
Delay in
Doubling England's Medical Student Training
The government
has significantly postponed plans to double doctor training places in England
by 2031, funding just 350 more for 2025-26 versus expected annual increases.
This disappoints universities and medical schools, especially in under-doctored
regions, raising concerns about meeting workforce needs and addressing
inequalities. Critics say delays cost more in agency fees and waiting times.
Inspiring
Young Futures: The London Careers Festival
The London
Careers Festival, organised by the City of London Corporation, aims to guide
over 30,000 youth aged 16-24 into employment through
apprenticeships, advice, and practical workshops. To be held from February
26th to March 8th at the Guildhall headquarters and virtual
platforms, sessions will focus on “fusion” skills like communication, creativity,
and resilience that firms seek. Alongside 22 major sector companies offering
vital exposure, tailored content for those with special needs or under social
care highlights the festival’s commitment to inclusive career development.
HALL
OF FAME THIS WEEK
Student
Overcomes Adversity to Graduate
Despite losing
both parents to cancer at a young age, Mollie Chapman recently graduated from
the University of Bristol. Her courage and determination in pursuing her
education, inspired by her late mother, earned praise from university
leadership. She plans to teach English.
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