GENERAL

• World Economic Outlook. The IMF published its latest World Economic Outlook pointing to a slowdown in economic growth, from last year’s estimated 6.1% to this year’s 3.6%, largely due to damage from the Ukraine conflict and wider cost of living issues, and with the UK predicted to have the slowest growth among G7 countries next year at 1.2%.
• Climate Change Strategy for education. The government set out its ‘sustainability and Climate Change Strategy’ for education and children’s services, first drafted at COP26 and now complete with a detailed list of five action areas and range of targets and partnerships embracing the entire education sector.
• Jobs Outlook. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation and Savanta ComRes published their latest survey among employers about jobs, indicating that while employers were concerned about the economy and N.I. rise, hiring intentions for permanent staff in the short-term at least remained positive.

SCHOOLS

• Primary School Offer Day. The government published information for parents to accompany the release of the confirmation of primary school places for this year, including the appeals process for those families unhappy with their offer.
• Induction funding. The government announced additional funding for newly qualified teachers completing induction between summer 2021 and spring 2022 with eligible schools entitled to payments of £1,200 - £1,500 per inductee.
• School funding. The Sutton Trust published the results of its latest poll on school funding carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) pointing among other things to concerns about a lack of catch-up funding, funding worries in primary schools, and cost pressures on the use of teaching assistants and IT resources.

FE/SKILLS

• T levels. The government updated its T level guidance with further links and information on the rollout timeline, transition programme and professional development.
• Apprenticeship Levy reform. The 5% Club called on members to put forward their own ideas for Apprenticeship Levy reform, citing a number of issues it had identified through recent discussions such as funding, apprenticeship levels and ages, as it prepared to submit a response to the Chancellor.
• Collab Group session. The Collab Group reported on its recent session with employers and trade bodies about working more closely with colleges, with employers calling for greater clarity on routes available and more direct pipelines of talent where possible, and with both sides recognising the need to work together amid changing economic conditions. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

• Expanding student numbers. The Tony Blair Institute called in a new report for an increase in the numbers of young people going to university, arguing that increased skill needs meant at least 60% should be going by the end of 2030 and 70% by 2040.
• Degree returns. The Institute for Fiscal Studies examined the financial returns on degrees in a report commissioned by the government indicating that degree grade remains key in many professions, although it varies by subject, but that graduates with a lower grade from a more selective university might have benefited by going to a less renowned institute and gaining a higher grade. 
• Living Black at University. The Unite Commission followed up its earlier report into the experiences faced by many Black students in UK student accommodation by launching a year-long commission to seek further information and embed good practice.