GENERAL: The economy. The Bank of England voted to reduce the Bank Rate by 0.25% as it published its latest Monetary Policy Report, acknowledging current global economic uncertainty and pointing to UK growth potentially slowing to 0.1% over the next quarter with CPI inflation likely to rise by Q.3, largely due to higher energy prices.
Economic Outlook. The NIESR published its latest Economic Outlook painting a fairly downbeat picture with growth down and inflation up for the year, suggesting that the Chancellor may well have to announce tax rises in her Autumn Budget.
Online safety. The Science and Tech Secretary set out the government’s proposed strategic priorities for online safety in line with the Online Safety Act, listing five key themes including agile regulation, transparency and accountability, and safety by design.
Government advisers. The Dept for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) called for leading scientists and technologists to join the government on a p/t secondment as DSIT Fellows, helping the government to develop its use of AI and boost tech and research policy generally.
Cyber security. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) published a new report highlighting the impacts on cyber threat from AI developments over the next couple of years, suggesting a growing divide between systems that mange to keep pace with such threats and those that don’t and underlining the importance of across the board strengthening of cyber resilience. SCHOOLS:
Results app. The government confirmed the trial of a new digital system for young people in Greater Manchester and the W. Midlands to receive their GCSE results via an app, as part of a longer term plan to create a pupil digital Education Record app that could reduce paperwork and save costs.
Advanced maths. The government announced additional funds under its Advanced Maths Support Programme from this September aimed at helping more girls study A level maths and potentially pursue AI related careers.
School costs. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) reported on the rising minimum cost of education for parents in the UK, up 30% since 2022 for secondary pupils, driven largely by the rising costs of food, materials and tech devices.
Teacher shortages. Teach First published commissioned research undertaken by Teacher Tapp showing that in many poorer areas teacher shortages are denying students opportunities to take key A level subjects, calling as a result for the government to tackle recruitment and salaries.
DSG. The House of Commons Library Service published a briefing on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG,) running through the inception, format and challenges involved in the Grant ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on the Grant this week. FE/SKILLS:
Adult education. The Education Secretary published the latest MoUs with the Mayor of London and various mayoral combined authorities, setting out the agreed ways of working in the delegation of adult education functions and covering matters such skills entitlements, funding decisions and quality matters.
Post-16 budget. The government confirmed the funding arrangements for the post-16 budget grant which will be paid out over the next couple of months to 16-19 providers, generating an uplift to programmes and support for staff pay.
Consultation response. The AELP called for Ofsted’s new inspection framework to be delayed to next January and for greater simplicity around the use of report cards and grading systems, especially for training providers who work across different settings, as it published its response to Ofsted’s recent consultation proposals. HE:
Government plans for HE. The Chair of the Education Committee outlined a list of concerns raised by HE providers in a recent Committee session, calling on the Education Secretary to clarify the nature, scope and likely timetable for the government’s ‘proposed plans for HE reform.’
Financial sustainability. The OfS published its latest annual report into sector finances and resilience, pointing to a ‘deteriorating’ picture with over 40% of institutions responding forecasting a deficit for this year, largely due recruitment challenges and rising costs.
Finances survey. Universities UK reported on its recent survey among members showing many institutions resorting to cost cutting measures including merging or closing courses, cutting back on repairs and reducing funding for R/D, as they cope with shrinking budgets.
Op-ed on finances. Former funding review Chair, Philip Augar, examined the parlous state of university financing in an op-ed for the FT pointing the finger at poorly controlled and managed expansion in the context of increased fees, calling accordingly for inflation-linked grant increases but with stronger accountability and more skills based provision for English HE.
Naming and shaming. The Times reported that the Education Secretary was looking at publishing league tables that would name and shame universities which deliver ‘poor outcomes’ for their students while their vice-chancellors continue to receive high wage packets.
International students. The consultancy Public First identified many of the benefits that accrue from hosting international students in a report commissioned by York University, pointing to a gross export value of over £20bn pa with value spread across the country.
Global research. Leading research universities from across the world including the UK’s Russell Group, signed up to the recent Ottawa Declaration, committing to work together for the public good on international research while retaining academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
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