Latest news

Charges brought against 11 in ILA case
Eleven people have been charged with plotting to defraud the government's Individual Learning Accounts scheme. They are bailed to appear before Northampton Magistrates Court on February 19. A further seven people were cautioned. Three refused caution. No further action will be taken against 13 others. The ILA scheme was axed on November 23 amid allegations of fraud.

Edexcel given 4-week probation
Embattled examiner Edexcel has been given four weeks to show the government how it will improve in time for this summer’s exam season. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said if Edexcel has a disastrous May, June and July, the QCA could withdraw accreditation for the board’s qualifications, leaving tens of thousands of candidates with invalid GCSEs and A-Levels.

British class divisions alive and kicking
Kate Kray, former wife of East End gangster Ronnie Kray, told the Oxford Union last night that the class system in Britain does nothing today but "hold you back". She was speaking during a debate: "This house believes that the class system is the backbone of British society." James Hewitt and Tara Palmer-Tompkinson, the speakers in support of the motion, failed to turn up.

Top-up for poor Scots south-of-the-border
Low income Scottish students studying elsewhere in the United Kingdom are to win grants of up to £510 from the Scottish Executive in the coming academic year, bringing their spending power in line with Scottish students in Scotland.

Mexico Olympic deaths inquiry ordered
Mexico's supreme court has ordered a full federal inquiry into the killing of at least 28 university students in Mexico City just before the Olympic Games on October 2 1968. The case was re-opened after a student demonstration last October.