Latest UK news

Pressure grows to widen participation
A post-qualification applications system should be introduced to increase the numbers of state-school pupils at top universities, a report by the Commons education select committee is expected to say this week. It is also expected to call for more cash to help universities widen participation among poorer people.

Hull eyes rival campus
Hull University is considering buying the campus that will be left vacant when the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside relocates most of its activities to Lincoln. David Drewry, vice-chancellor of Hull, said the two universities were committed to working together for the benefit of the city.

Fish oil helps develop eyesight
Women who breast-feed their babies or who eat oily fish while pregnant have children with better than normal visual development, according to research published today. Researchers from Bristol University say the findings reinforce the arguments of those calling for formula baby milk to be fortified with fish oils.

Alliance brings US students to Ulster
The Northern Ireland scholarship programme set up by the United States-Ireland Alliance in honour of George Mitchell who brokered the Good Friday Agreement is to be extended. Northern Ireland’s education department will provide an annual £33,000 for two US students to study in Ulster.