Minimum entry standards ‘blunt tool’ to tackle franchise abuse
Introducing language requirements for whole sector undermines government’s widening access mission, universities say.
The enduring impact of Section 28 in UK schools and colleges
One of the achievements of this Pride Month is the Section 28 Justice Coalition’s success in reaching the threshold for a government response to its petition for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28.
Nursing council investigates quality concerns at Anglia Ruskin
University’s healthcare programmes investigated for a second time in three years by regulator.
UK Lords warn of “woefully inadequate” migration data amid settlement reform review
The UK government is making major decisions on settlement and citizenship without adequate migration data, a House of Lords committee has warned, as it called for ministers to reconsider plans to extend the qualifying period for permanent residence for migrants.
Housekeeping and higher education regulation
With the current state of higher education in England, the newly appointed CEOs of the Office for Students (OfS) are going to have a great deal to do when they start in June 2026.
When university metrics backfire: what REF, TEF and NSS can learn from academic gaming behaviours
Performance metrics are meant to improve universities. But when metrics become targets, they can start to reshape the behaviours they are supposed to measure.
Act now: building digital capability as evidence for TEF 2027
Start now to build the digital capability evidence your TEF 2027 submission will depend on, beginning with your next student intake.
UK social media ban: tech restrictions for teens can’t be the only approach
The UK government’s decision to introduce restrictions on children’s access to social media marks a significant moment in the evolution of online safety policy.
Guidance to restrict mobile phones in schools announced as education priorities set out
New statutory guidance to restrict mobile phone use in schools announced, as Education Minister sets out her priorities.
Social media ban: Implications for schools
The debate is raging over whether Kier Starmer’s social media ban will be effective – and whether it is enforceable. Meanwhile, the implications for schools are unclear.
Revised TEF ‘unfairly penalises smaller institutions’
New English quality framework over-reliant on data to measure student experience, critics fear.
New restrictions on mobile phones in schools in Wales announced
National statutory restrictions on mobile phones in schools have been announced by the new boss of education in Wales.
Social media ban cautiously welcomed by school leaders
Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X will all be inaccessible to under-16s under government plans, but messaging apps such as WhatsApp will be permitted.
Prime Minister announces social media ban for under-16s
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a social media ban for children aged under 16 which is expected to come into force next spring.
Teens react to Starmer’s UK social media ban for under-16s: the ‘right thing’ but ‘unlikely to make much difference’
Young people have said banning under-16s from social media is “the right thing to do” but have shared worries about how effective the new laws will be.
Starmer announces social media ban for under-16s as part of sweeping reforms
Social media ban for under-16s ‘watershed moment for child protection’ | The Standard
Britain announces sweeping social media ban for under-16s | Reuters
'More clarity' needed over social media ban, says children's minister | STV
Social media bans risk excluding children from important opportunities rather than tackling harms, new report finds
Nearly half (45 per cent) of the children surveyed in a new report from researchers at LSE and the University of Oslo said age-based restrictions on social media would not make them feel any safer online.
Smith: OfS ‘shouldn’t back off’ from free speech issues
Skills minister says regulator could have handled Sussex investigation better but ‘lessons have been identified’.
Bloomsbury Institute suspended from recruiting overseas students
Private provider temporarily blocked from international recruitment amid UKVI probe as seven universities face visa action plans.
Russell Group warned over ‘divisive’ support for entry thresholds
New leader of research-intensive grouping says ‘challenging conversations’ needed but critics urge united front against political attacks.