Independent schools launch Bristol boycott
Independent schools began a boycott of Bristol University yesterday in a growing row over alleged discrimination against middle-class students. In a joint statement The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and The Girls Schools' Association said they would no longer encourage their sixth-formers to apply to Bristol until the university could assure them that they would be treated fairly. Bristol denied allegations of social engineering last night and called on private school pupils to ignore the boycott. A spokesman said the only bias was towards academic potential. The university was heavily over-subscribed, with up to 30 candidates for each place, and was forced to reject many able candidates.
(Independent, Times, Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times)
Colleges combine in attempt to found first arts university
Plans for Britain's first specialist arts university were launched yesterday by a federation of five of the world's most celebrated art and design colleges. The London Institute is already allowed to award degrees but it is not yet a university in its own right. The institute was formed in 1986 when five colleges merged into a federal structure: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London College of Fashion and London College of Printing.
(Independent)
Students win their fight for damages
The right of students to be treated as consumers and compensated for disappointment over their courses has been established in a landmark legal case. Six students are to share £70,000 after a judge agreed that the principle used to decide damages against tour operators in ruined holiday cases could apply to education. The students pursued their action in the High Court for six years over a course in historic vehicle conservation at Rycotewood, a further education college in Thame, Oxfordshire. (Daily Telegraph)
Aspirin may prevent cancers
Aspirin, which can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes, may also cut the risk of throat and mouth cancer. Italian researchers found that taking the drug regularly for at least five years cut the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and oesophagus by two thirds. The results of their study is published in the British Journal of Cancer .
(Times, Daily Telegraph)