GENERAL:
King’s Speech. The House of Commons Library Service looked into the likely legislative programme for the new session of parliament scheduled from mid-May onwards, noting that a number of Bills are likely to be carried over from the last session, including one on lowering the voting age for young people, while SEND reform is likely to be included for this session.
Outlook Survey. EY-Parthenon published its latest CEO Outlook Survey showing top bosses increasing spend on AI but finding regulation and skills gaps slowing progress as they look to prioritise profitability and resilience at a time of global tension.
The cost of war. The IPPR think tank suggested that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could end up causing huge damage to the UK economy with inflation rising and growth falling, calling as a result for ‘a targeted package of support’ particularly around fuel and energy to be brought in.
AI. Polling company Ipsos argued that ‘AI had now entered the mainstream,’ as it published survey evidence showing that 1in 3 now use it weekly, up from 1 in 10 in 2023, with usage rising fastest among 55+ yr olds, albeit with audiences still working out their ‘comfort levels.’ SCHOOLS:
GCSE assessment. Ofqual confirmed it was going ahead with proposals for students to be provided with formulae and equation sheets in GCSE maths, physics and combined science exams, following earlier consultation.
School and College report. Pearson published its fifth and latest comprehensive survey report on issues around schools and colleges with budget pressures, SEND, student wellbeing and workloads among the big concerns cited but with students largely positive about their teaching and their futures.
School absences. The Education Endowment Fund and Youth Endowment Fund published a series of reports on issues around school attendance and exclusions, arguing that no one size fits all and that individual, targeted support let alone an inclusive culture can all help.
Boys’ education. The Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys (CPRMB) announced a new Commission under former Number 10 adviser Peter Hyman, to examine underperformance by boys across the education system, including root causes and barriers, and come up with recommendations for government.
Train then not teach. Researchers at UCL and CEPEO looked into the long running issue of why some people undertake teacher training but then don’t go on to enter the teaching profession, acknowledging that while some find the training challenging, the reasons for subsequent drop out tend to be more personal including illness, visa issues, housing problems and so on.
Inactivity levels. The Centre for Social Justice reported on ‘alarming’ levels of inactivity among young children as more turn to screen time and away from physical activity, calling for a new School Activity Standard to be embedded in the school day.
Mobile free. The Girls’ Day School Trust announced that all its schools will operate mobile-free environments from this September for pupils up to Yr 11, with access for sixth formers remaining but being ‘clearly defined.’ FE/SKILLS: VTQ malpractice. Ofqual reported on proven cases of malpractice in Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQ) for last year, showing a slight drop in the number of student cases on the previous year, with mobile phones constituting the most common reported issue.
Skills Gauge. The 5% Club published its Spring Skills Gauge with employers indicating that while they expect to continue recruiting and developing their workforce over the coming year many feel that the economy has worsened over the past 12 months and that government skill reforms will do little to help.
Investing for growth. The Jobs Foundation called for more to be done through education and support to enable savers to invest in funds that could support UK productivity and growth, arguing that this would cost little but would generate enormous benefits to both individuals and the state.
Young People and Work. The DWP published a list of forthcoming research publications due over the coming weeks on Young People and Work, largely survey based and covering many aspects of NEETs issues. HE:
Antisemitism. The Chief Exec of Universities UK spelt out what universities were doing to tackle antisemitism following a meeting of leading figures at Downing St this week, with guidance issued previously and training and a review of security arrangements now under way.
Positioning. UCL Policy Lab reported on its recent work on drawing out the value of universities to individuals, communities and policy makers, acknowledging that the sector faces a number of critical challenges but arguing that it needs to develop a more proactive approach to thinking about and delivering change.
Graduate employment. The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) published its latest Student Development Survey indicating that while many employers expect AI to affect graduate and apprentice roles, it will be more a case of reshaping rather than replacing jobs, with new both generic and specific skills likely to be in demand.
Quantum research gaps. UNESCO highlighted a stark North-South global divide when it comes to access to quantum research facilities, as it published a detailed assessment of its 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology showing investment concentrated in the Northern hemisphere and with over 150 countries yet to adopt ‘any form of national quantum strategy.’
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