Latest UK news

Oxford lures poor students with grants
Oxford University is to encourage students from poorer families to apply to its colleges by offering £2,000 bursaries to undergraduates. The scheme, due to begin in 2002, will allow first-year students to apply for bursaries to help with their living expenses. The bursaries will be partly funded by anonymous donations and Oxford colleges.

AS levels not working, say heads
The new AS-level examinations have failed to broaden learning and left students struggling to cope, the National Association of Headteachers said today. The NAHT made its comments as it submitted a paper to the review of Curriculum 2000 by David Hargreaves, chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The review is expected to be finished next month.

Prince appeals for epilepsy chair funding
The Prince of Wales is to launch a £2 million appeal today to fund the first chair of childhood epilepsy in Europe. Prince Charles will meet epileptic children, their families, medical consultants, nurses, researchers and supporters at the launch event at the Institute of Child Health, in London.

Girl band releases medieval manuscript cover
Classical chart-toppers the Mediaeval Baebes today unveiled a new digital version of the Sherborne Missal, a 15th-century manuscript worth £15 million that has been saved for the nation by the British Library. The library has successfully digitised part of the manuscript, making a large touch-screen version available to visitors.