Sally Weale

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath argues that extensive use of screens and digital tools in schools is contributing to declining cognitive ability and academic performance, citing falling IQ and PISA scores alongside the rapid expansion of educational technology. He says schools retained digital systems introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic instead of returning to less screen-dependent teaching. Other education experts agree that edtech has often been adopted without sufficient evidence and that heavy use may be harmful, but caution that correlations do not prove causation. Moderate device use can be associated with better results than no use, and well-designed studies show technology can sometimes improve learning, making the key question when—and how—edtech should be used.

England recorded a bumper year for A-level grades, but the gains were distributed unevenly. London saw 32.7% of candidates achieve A or A* grades, compared with 23.1% in the East Midlands and 23.1% in the north-east, widening the London–north-east gap to 9.6 percentage points, its largest since the pandemic. Experts attribute London’s performance to factors including the London Challenge, higher teacher pay, cultural appeal and ambitious migrant families, while disadvantaged regions face poverty, pressure on public services, rising special educational needs, limited infrastructure and fewer economic opportunities. They call for a long-term, region-focused government strategy spanning education, early years, health, transport, skills and economic development, backed by increased and more targeted funding.

A-level results reached record highs outside the pandemic period, with 9.7% of English entries receiving an A* and Northern Ireland recording the highest combined share of A and A* grades at 30.7%, followed by Wales and England. Nearly 263,000 UK 18-year-olds secured university places, while mathematics and economics saw notable gains in participation or performance and vocational qualifications also produced strong results. Boys achieved a higher share of top grades, although more girls took A-levels and more girls attained those grades in absolute terms. Significant regional disparities remained, especially between London and the East Midlands, prompting warnings that socioeconomic inequality continues to shape outcomes. Exam boards and Ofqual rejected claims of grade inflation, asserting that grades remain comparable and trusted by universities and employers.

Andy Burnham’s proposal to place academic and technical education on an equal footing in England draws partly on the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate and Kenneth Baker’s university technical college model. UTCs, serving 14- to 19-year-olds through partnerships with employers and universities, are credited with low rates of youth unemployment despite earlier recruitment, closure and inspection problems. Supporters argue that starting technical pathways at 14 can address skills shortages, while school leaders, unions and the Institute for Fiscal Studies warn that major investment and employer engagement will be needed. Critics also fear that technical routes could become a lower-status destination for disadvantaged pupils unless students and families retain meaningful choice.

Andy Burnham’s new government held its first cabinet meeting and presented itself as a cost-of-living administration, announcing an £850m VAT reduction on household electricity bills from October, funded through cancellation of the digital ID programme. Anas Sarwar is reportedly preparing to leave the Scottish Labour leadership and enter government as a peer and minister at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Burnham has reorganised central government around a powerful Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and plans to establish a No 10 North in Manchester. The reshuffle has drawn accusations of factionalism from Keir Starmer’s allies, while the government faces pressure over NHS pay, court reform, defence spending and the funding of its pledges. Other developments include stronger UK support for Ukraine, closer defence cooperation with Japan, Italy and Canada, and deepening links between Reform UK and France’s National Rally.

Evelyn Welch warns that cuts to arts and humanities in UK universities are damaging, arguing that arts education fosters long-term creative strength and citing her daughter Florence Welch as an example of its value. She says universities face financial strain from declining tuition fee value, falling international student numbers and reduced strategic funding, with cuts disproportionately affecting creative subjects. As incoming chair of the Russell Group, she calls for reforms to university funding, reconsideration of the proposed international student levy, and a reassessment of minimum grade requirements for student loans. Welch urges the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to address structural issues in higher education despite competing national and geopolitical pressures.

Nearly 4,000 academic posts in humanities, social sciences and the arts were cut in 2024, with most losses occurring at non‑Russell Group universities, sharply reducing access to subjects such as languages, classics and theology. The British Academy warns that regional educational cold spots are worsening and that job losses are spreading into traditionally strong subjects like English and business. Sector leaders and former ministers raise concerns about reduced opportunities, social mobility and long‑term damage to research capacity, while university representatives cite severe financial pressures. The Department for Education says universities remain responsible for their finances but highlights steps intended to stabilise the sector.

Research by the disability charity Sense shows large gaps in accessible holiday club provision across England, leaving about 60,000 disabled children in areas with no suitable options. More than half of surveyed parents struggle to obtain places, harming finances and wellbeing, with many reducing work hours or leaving employment. Families describe the complexity and cost of securing childcare for disabled children, while Sense calls for a national framework to end the postcode lottery. The Local Government Association acknowledges shortages and seeks collaboration with the government to improve support in forthcoming SEND reforms.

School attendance in England dropped by an estimated 332,000 pupils following the national team’s overnight World Cup win against Mexico. Real-time data from more than 12,000 state schools indicated a rise in unauthorised absences, particularly among secondary pupils. The Department for Education encouraged schools and families to embrace the World Cup atmosphere while maintaining attendance. Several schools implemented flexible registration times and hosted themed activities, reporting strong engagement and high spirits among students.

Early-morning celebrations following England’s World Cup win over Mexico led to increased pub sales, tired schoolchildren, and adjusted school start times in some areas, while workplaces and roads saw minimal disruption. Pubs benefited from extended licensing hours approved before the match, with major drink and food sales boosts reported. School attendance dropped compared with the previous week, though some schools eased registration rules to accommodate families. Workplaces largely experienced typical attendance despite fatigue, and road safety officials warned about driving while tired. Overall, communities adapted with mixed levels of resilience after the 4am finish.

Research shows a third of disadvantaged white pupils in England finish primary school without secure reading fluency, with performance lagging behind both non-disadvantaged peers and disadvantaged pupils from other ethnic backgrounds. Findings from more than one million reading assessments indicate the gap persists throughout primary school. Education leaders attribute the issue to early vocabulary disparities and call for a national focus on reading support beginning in early childhood. Government and inquiry figures emphasise the long-term consequences of inadequate reading skills and the need for renewed intervention efforts.

Keir Starmer defended the government’s Defence Investment Plan during PMQs, arguing that £22bn of fiscal headroom could cover a roughly £4.7bn funding gap over four years. Kemi Badenoch urged Andy Burnham to oppose the plan, while Starmer accused the Conservatives of hypocrisy over their record of defence cuts and delayed programmes. The plan has also triggered ministerial concern about road-project cuts and debate over whether borrowing would undermine future fiscal room. Other developments included Angela Rayner’s criticism of Whitehall resistance to fiscal devolution, calls for central government to shrink as powers are transferred to regions, a 41% fall in Channel small-boat arrivals during the first half of 2026, and a teacher pay settlement that unions say is only partially funded and could lead to strike action.

More than 21,000 people have signed a petition opposing the University of Exeter’s plan to cut about 150 jobs, predominantly in the humanities, arts and social sciences. Academics, writers and public figures including Rowan Williams, Mark Kermode, Hermione Lee and Rory Stewart warn the cuts would cause lasting damage and set a dangerous precedent. The University and College Union argues the reductions are unnecessary given Exeter’s financial stability, while the university cites rising costs, declining real-terms tuition income and falling international student demand. Business leaders and commentators caution that the cuts would hurt the region’s economy and undermine vital disciplines.

A UCL study finds that most young people view blanket school smartphone bans as punitive and ineffective, contrasting sharply with strong support for bans among teachers and parents. Students argue smartphones are essential for safety, communication, and daily organisation, and warn bans may drive issues like cyberbullying underground. Researchers say the restrictions risk undermining trust and encouraging workarounds, while the Department for Education defends the policy as part of a broader effort to improve online safety and digital literacy.

An inquiry into the persistently low educational performance of white working-class pupils in England recommends major reforms, including encouraging high-performing schools to admit more disadvantaged children, expanding access to free childcare, increasing school-family support and strengthening early-years provision. The report highlights entrenched social and regional disadvantage and finds that white working-class pupils receiving free school meals significantly underperform their peers. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson endorses the findings, stressing class-based inequalities and the need for action beyond schools themselves. Additional proposals include greater focus on reading, expanded apprenticeships, improved mental health support, free transport for young people and restrictions on smartphone use in schools.

A comprehensive UK review warns that screen time for children under two poses developmental risks, including reduced bonding, limited physical play and language delays. Researchers urge the government to revise current guidance that allows for some shared screen use, emphasizing that regular intentional screen time offers no developmental benefit and may worsen vulnerabilities. Experts call for better parental support, targeted family services and clearer communication, while government officials defend existing guidance as practical and supportive.

A record-breaking heatwave is affecting much of Europe. Southern England set a new June temperature record of 35.8C, while parts of France reached or exceeded 40C, Spain recorded its highest June daily average temperatures since at least 1950, and Belgium faced potentially record-breaking temperatures. France extended its red heat alert to 72 of 96 mainland departments, while Italy placed 16 cities under red alert. The heat is disrupting schools, trains, public transport, workplaces and energy production, including reduced French nuclear output because of limited cooling water. Health officials warned that rising European temperatures are increasing risks to vulnerable people, while workers and residents described mounting financial, health and housing pressures.

A rare red weather warning has been issued for parts of England and Wales as extreme heat and humidity are expected to bring temperatures up to 40C, prompting a simultaneous red heat health alert across six English regions. Authorities warn of risks to life, major disruption to transport and energy systems, and increasingly unmanageable conditions in homes and public services. Climate scientists attribute the dangerous heat to human-driven climate change and urge urgent action. Schools are modifying schedules and policies to protect students, while transport networks prepare for significant heat-related disruption.

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as UK prime minister after mounting pressure within Labour, saying a successor should take over by mid-July if Andy Burnham is unopposed or by the end of August if a leadership contest is held. Burnham was sworn in as the MP for Makerfield and confirmed he would seek the Labour leadership, while Wes Streeting ruled himself out. Nigel Farage called for a general election, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch attacked Starmer and Burnham over national security and defence. International leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Starmer. Polling indicated that most Britons believed he was right to resign, while other surveys suggested Labour's electoral prospects could improve under Burnham. The UK-EU summit scheduled for 22 July was postponed to give the incoming prime minister more time to prepare.

The UK government plans to issue a full state apology to those affected by historic forced adoption practices, described by the education secretary as a shameful period in England’s history. Survivor groups and charities welcomed the forthcoming apology but emphasized that it must be accompanied by concrete actions, including improved access to records, mental health support, and involvement of adoptees in policymaking. Previous formal apologies in Wales and Scotland, as well as calls for redress in other countries, underscore long-standing demands for accountability and support for those harmed by past adoption policies.

The head of NASUWT argues that Andy Burnham offers Labour its strongest opportunity to defeat Reform, warning that a Reform government would be harmful to teachers, education and trade unions. He criticizes the Labour government for continuing Tory policies on academisation and for insufficiently consulting teachers on planned SEND reforms. He calls for more substantial change and expresses concern about funding priorities, particularly increased defence spending amid education cuts. A Labour source defends the government’s actions, citing reforms to academies and efforts to fix the SEND system.

Cate Blanchett has been appointed the Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor of contemporary theatre at the University of Oxford for the 2026–27 academic year, describing the role as an opportunity for creative dialogue with students. The position involves lectures and discussions within the university community and has previously been held by leading figures in theatre. College master Jude Kelly and Cameron Mackintosh praised Blanchett’s artistic impact and the inspiration she brings to the role.

Nearly 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing UK government plans to cut funding for specialist assistive software provided through the Disabled Students’ Allowance. The Department for Education argues that free tools now offer equivalent functionality, but disability advocates, students and the British Assistive Technology Association warn that generic alternatives cannot meet many disabled students’ needs. They say the changes risk widening attainment gaps and increasing dropouts. Testimonies from affected students highlight how specialist tools support their studies, while critics warn that the proposals could undermine access to higher education. A government consultation on the plan remains open until mid-June.

A British Social Attitudes survey shows declining public confidence in the value of university degrees, with the share of people believing higher education is not worth the time and money rising to 34%. Tuition fee increases, frozen loan repayment thresholds, high interest rates and a challenging labour market contribute to growing disillusionment, especially among younger graduates. While sector leaders argue degrees still offer benefits in employment, earnings and social mobility, student representatives highlight financial pressures and mounting debts. Continued erosion of public trust risks worsening university finances.

The University of Manchester launched an investigation after about 20 female medical students reported years of anonymous late-night calls involving intimidation and sexual harassment. Student Charlotte Buttercase raised concerns in an open letter describing a pervasive culture of harassment within the medical school. Research from the Office for Students indicates higher rates of harassment at elite universities, especially in high‑entry courses. The BMA and university leadership condemned the behaviour, pledged support for affected students, and committed to broader cultural and systemic reviews to ensure safety and accountability.

Parents in Waltham Forest are split over ongoing teachers’ strikes driven by funding pressures, restructures and threatened job losses across multiple local schools. Some families have joined picket lines in support of staff, citing concerns about cuts to special educational needs provision, while others worry about prolonged disruption. The National Education Union links the disputes to declining pupil numbers, financial strain and wider London-wide restructures, and warns that a national ballot could lead to further industrial action unless the government funds an above-inflation pay rise. The Department for Education criticizes the strikes, arguing they will negatively affect children and parents.

Manchester University will offer work placements to all undergraduates across disciplines to improve career readiness amid a challenging job market. The initiative, considered unprecedented for a large Russell Group institution, aims to integrate internships, placements and employer projects into standard academic pathways. Supporters highlight the value of real-world experience, though concerns remain about feasibility given the university’s size and students’ existing workloads. Sector leaders say the move aligns with changing labour market demands and growing expectations for practical skills in higher education.

Teachers report increasing volumes of aggressive, accusatory emails from parents since the Covid pandemic, with blurred boundaries leading to expectations of constant availability. Speakers at the NASUWT conference described significant mental health impacts, including pressure from schools to respond immediately to parental messages and rising complaints facilitated by digital communication tools. Union leader Patrick Roach urged reintroducing home‑school agreements to reestablish limits and criticised independent schools for coercive employment practices related to pension changes. The GDST was highlighted over disputes involving withdrawal from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and threats of fire‑and‑rehire policies.

Jesus College, Cambridge spent about £120,000 pursuing permission to remove a chapel memorial to Tobias Rustat, a 17th-century benefactor involved in the transatlantic slave trade. A Church of England consistory court rejected the college’s case, ruling that opposition relied on a false account of Rustat’s financial gains from slavery, and ordered that the plaque remain. The college decided not to appeal, while its master, Sonita Alleyne, defended the challenge and called for a more appropriate process for addressing racial injustice and contested heritage.

Research from University College London shows that children placed in the lowest ability groups at age seven tend to experience higher levels of hyperactivity and emotional problems into adolescence. The study, based on data from over 7,000 pupils, indicates that lower-grouped children face greater behavioural challenges than peers in higher or non-grouped classes. While the academic effects of ability grouping remain mixed, the findings call for closer monitoring of pupils in lower groups to safeguard wellbeing. The Department for Education says grouping decisions lie with individual schools.

The government signalled openness to lengthening school days and shortening summer holidays to address pandemic learning loss, prompting strong warnings from school leaders who argued such measures would be ineffective and burdensome. Newly appointed recovery commissioner Sir Kevan Collins is reviewing a range of catch‑up strategies, including summer schools, tutoring, shorter holidays and virtual extensions of the school day. Union leaders and school trusts cautioned against national programmes and policy gimmicks, emphasizing that funding, locally driven support and tailored interventions are more effective than blanket time extensions.

About 50 pupils were sent home from Hartsdown Academy in Margate on the first day of term for breaches of the school’s strict uniform policy, including incorrect shoes, trousers, missing blazers and minor details such as a gold buckle or frilled socks. Parents said young pupils were distressed and accused the school of mishandling the situation, prompting police to attend a disturbance outside, though no charges were brought. Headteacher Matthew Tate and the Coastal Academies Trust defended the crackdown as part of a wider effort to raise expectations and improve standards at a previously underperforming school.

A clinical trial led by Edzard Ernst found that high- and low-potency arnica tablets performed no better than a placebo in reducing pain, bruising or swelling after carpal tunnel surgery. The findings intensified criticism of homeopathy, alongside a BBC Horizon experiment and a professional misconduct case involving a GP who used homeopathic methods with a sick baby. Ernst says the arnica evidence does not settle the broader question of homeopathy, while critics argue that its benefits may reflect placebo effects and warn against replacing effective medical care. Homeopathy advocates remain confident, but the article emphasizes the lack of robust evidence and the need for more rigorous research.