Latest news

Education select committee to investigate ILAs
The House of Commons’ education and skills select committee is to look at the lessons of the debacle of individual learning accounts, which were axed suddenly on November 23 last year amid allegations of fraud. The committee will look at management issues, policy and plans for the replacement of ILAs. The first evidence session will be next week. The Commons' public accounts committee will also investigate ILAs.

Review recommends clustering for Welsh HE
Higher education in Wales should be reorganised into five geographical clusters, with one leading the way in research and another focusing on teaching and widening access, the Welsh Assembly’s higher education review has concluded. The structure of the federal University of Wales should be reformed, with all member institutions seeking their own degree-awarding powers.

Lord Young of Dartington dies at 86
Social reformer and educationist Lord Young of Dartington has died aged 86. Among his many achievments were co-founding the Open University and founding the University of the Third Age and the Consumers' Association.

McKelvey takes reins at Scottish Agricultural College
Bill McKelvey, director of operations at the Scottish Agricultural College, has been appointed chief executive and principal. Professor McKelvey is an expert on reproduction in sheep and goats, pioneering laparoscopy techniques which are now used throughout the world.

Queens Belfast open £3.5m pharma research centre
Queen's University Belfast has opened a £3.5 million purpose-built pharmaceutical research centre, wholly funded by a donation from the McClay Trust, a charity set up to support research in Queen's schools of chemistry and pharmacy.