Latest UK news

Cornwall to get university
A new university is to be built in Cornwall as part of a £54 million project to encourage youngsters to stay in the county. The Combined Universities of Cornwall in Falmouth was announced by education secretary David Blunkett today. It will take its first students in autumn 2003.

Tecs pass on £40m legacy to LSCs
A £40 million “legacy” from the reserves of the disbanded training and enterprise councils is being passed on to local learning and skills councils. Education minister Baroness Blackstone said the money would go to the organisations' local initiative fund.

Scottish learning centres gain £2.4m upgrade
Wendy Alexander, Scotland’s minister for enterprise and lifelong learning, has announced that £2.4 million will be spent to upgrade 38 learning centres, which will come under the learndirect scotland brand of the Scottish University for Industry.

Unions say problems plague SQA
Trade unions are warning of growing problems inside the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The unions report low staff morale, “inadequate” information technology facilities, delays in producing question papers and “ad hoc” decision-making. Union representatives give evidence to the Scottish Executive’s education committee this afternoon.