Editorial

Harvard College is reinstating standardised testing requirements for admissions, starting with the Class of 2029. The College will accept SAT or ACT scores, with flexibility for alternative exams in exceptional cases. This move contrasts with its previous commitment to remain test-optional through 2030.

The Cass Review, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, highlights a lack of research and weak evidence in gender care for children, urging improvements to meet NHS standards, and emphasises concerns about the toxicity of the gender debate affecting professionals' ability to provide adequate care.

The Liberal Democrats are urging an end to the disparities in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support across regions in the UK, labelling it a "postcode lottery." Party leader Sir Ed Davey proposes a £300 million boost and the establishment of a national champion for coordinating support for children with complex needs.

The National Education Union (NEU) is advocating for compulsory menopause training for all school leaders, citing discrimination against women experiencing symptoms. The union aims to address this by advocating for mandatory menopause policies in schools and colleges, increased training for representatives on workers' rights, and workplace adjustments to accommodate menopausal staff.

Amanda Spielman, ex-Chief of Ofsted, warns that the UK is avoiding necessary tough conversations, potentially hindering progress in education. She insists on the importance of candid feedback to prioritise students' needs over staff satisfaction, stressing the importance of addressing issues transparently for improvement.

Oxford University will bar politically active individuals from serving as chancellor, a role historically held by influential figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Harold Macmillan. Some critics argue this move risks alienating mainstream opinion, and undermines established practices.

Sadiq Khan plans to introduce a new student exchange scheme, similar to the EU's Erasmus program, for young people studying in London. This initiative aims to provide grants and support for students to study and gain work experience in major world cities, compensating for opportunities lost after Brexit.

Singapore Management University is eliminating Personal Statements from its undergraduate admissions process due to concerns about applicants using ChatGPT and similar AI tools. The university will now require shorter structured answers related to the intended course, aiming to discourage reliance on AI-generated content and placing value on authenticity and personal voice.

Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, announces plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities by 20,000 through reforms, such as fully funding training for under-21s at small businesses. The government has allocated £60m for next year, with changes to the apprenticeship levy allowing sharing up to 50% of unspent funds.

Research reveals short school suspensions in England correlate to lower GCSE results, emphasising need for early interventions. Suspended pupils lag a year behind peers, struggle to pass GCSE math and English. Proactive early intervention is recommended to address the issue.

Cambridge University has dropped its target for admitting state school students, aiming to address inequality of opportunity. The decision follows criticism and a shift in focus towards increasing diversity in admissions. The university now plans to consider socioeconomic factors in the application process to ensure fairness.

Brown University has reversed its "test-optional" policy, requiring SAT or ACT scores for admissions, as they believe standardised tests play a crucial role in assessing academic potential. Additionally, Brown is reviewing legacy preferences and maintaining its early decision program amidst broader discussions on diversity and inclusion in higher education.

A new report proposes an overhaul of England's school calendar, advocating for shorter summer holidays and longer half-term breaks. Authors argue for even distribution of holidays throughout the year, to benefit student well-being and academic results, and follows the Welsh government's plans for similar changes.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson advocates for training young male influencers to counter negative figures like Andrew Tate. The plans include peer-to-peer mentoring in schools and educating students on questioning social media content, with the aim to empower students to assess online content critically and promote healthy relationships.

A study by Leeds and York universities highlights the enduring importance of GCSE results in predicting later achievements and well-being. The research, involving 6,500 individuals aged 23, emphasises the necessity of strong academic performance in securing future opportunities like university admission and career success.