Lexington Communications’ Education & Skills Practice is led by Chris Cuddihy. Contact us on education@lexcomm.co.uk and follow us on Twitter on @Lex_EduSkills

1. The Government announced the Education for All Bill during the
Queen’s Speech. The Bill confirms powers to convert under-
performing schools to academies, and aims to redress historical
unfairness in school funding through a National Funding Formula.
IPPR North published findings that children in the North have
fallen behind their peers elsewhere in the UK by age five. They
highlighted disparities in school funding meaning that primary
schools in the North receive £900 less per pupil than in London.
The APPG on Financial Education for Young People has
released a report recommending that some statutory financial
education is introduced at primary level.
The Ofsted Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, criticised the
lack of prioritisation of science and languages in schools, due to
the focus on English and Maths in the curriculum.
The Coates review into prison education was published, urging
reform to prison education, including that every prisoner must
have a Personal Learning Plan. The Queen’s Speech announced
the Prison and Courts Reform Bill to legislate for these reforms.
The Government stated that they will publish a forthcoming Skills
Plan, which will be delivered through the Education For All Bill.
City AM reported on further criticisms from business groups
regarding the apprenticeship levy. The Government has refused
to rule out increasing the rate after its introduction.
Paul Johnson, IFS director, wrote in The Times about the lack of
‘clear high-quality alternatives’ for those who choose not to follow
an academic route.
BBC News reported on a study by the Education and Employers
charity, which found that pupils who receive careers advice in
secondary school earn more in adult life.
The Higher Education and Research Bill had its first reading. It
sets out the functions of UK Research and Innovation, Innovate
UK, Research England, and additional research councils.
University Alliance published a report on the role of universities in
reducing inequality. The report advocates a collaborative
outreach with schools, and backs a strong role for OFFA.
Universities UK conducted a survey into student awareness of
the EU referendum, finding that more than half do not know the
date of the vote.
A HEPI survey found that 60% of students think universities
should never limit free speech, while 51% agree they should
sometimes get rid of memorials to controversial historical figures.
24th
May 2016