Government signals makeover for learning accounts
The goverment intends to introduce “new look” individual learning accounts to boost adult skills. Education secretary Estelle Morris announced the move today at the Confederation of British Industry conference in Birmingham. The government suspended the existing ILA scheme two weeks ago amid concerns over fraud. Ms Morris also urged employers to become more involved in schools, colleges and universities.
Students splash out on non-essentials
Students’ average spending on essential items like food and accommodation has not risen in real terms since 1995-96. But average spending on clothes and discretionary items such as entertainment has risen sharply, education minister Margaret Hodge told MPs on Friday.
Alzheimer's discovery in Scotland
Scientists at Glasgow and Strathclyde universities are working together to create a new type of drug which may be able to slow memory loss and which could help treat Alzheimer’s disease. They are researching a new protein, dubbed Cadeprin, which may be responsible for increasing loss of memory as we age.