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Daily News Summary
25 July 2019

IB drops candidate registration fee to widen access
Nine facts about Gavin Williamson, the new education secretary
Three quarters of UK students believe universities 'should take backgrounds into account'
Letters: 'We can learn from other countries' university application processes'
Scottish universities pledge places for care-system students
Campaigners warn DfE of 'mass withdrawal' from sex education

IB drops candidate registration fee to widen access

 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced it will eliminate its registration fee, in an effort to reduce financial barriers for students and schools to participate in its programmes. By Catherine Lough, Tes. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, and Colin Bell, chief executive of the Council of British International Schools.

 
Tes

Nine facts about Gavin Williamson, the new education secretary

 

Schools Week lists nine facts about Gavin Williamson, who has been appointed by Boris Johnson as the new education secretary.

BBC News reports headteachers have said Mr Williamson should deliver more school funding as a top priority. By Sean Coughlan.

 

Three quarters of UK students believe universities 'should take backgrounds into account'

 

Findings from a Higher Education Policy Institute study suggest 73% of undergraduates believe it is harder for pupils from poorer areas to achieve good grades. BBC News.

 
BBC

Letters: 'We can learn from other countries' university application processes'

 

Writing in The Times, Hazel Kay, head of marketing and admissions at ACS International Schools, suggests UK universities could benefit from exploring other countries' application processes. The letter can be found half-way down the page.

 
The Times

Scottish universities pledge places for care-system students

 

Under a new admissions policy, Scottish universities are to guarantee offers to all applicants who have been in the care system, should they meet new entry requirements. By Jamie McIvor, BBC News.

 
BBC

Campaigners warn DfE of 'mass withdrawal' from sex education

 

The campaign group Humanists UK has urged the Department for Education (DfE) to close a loophole which allows parents to withdraw their children from new sex education lessons. By John Roberts, Tes.

 
Tes

 

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