Update 13:00

QCA boss quizzed at A-level inquiry
Sir William Stubbs, chairman of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, was today giving his side of the story to the inquiry into allegations that it pressured examiners into fixing grades to counter claims that A levels had become too easy. Sir William, who was being interviewed by former chief schools inspector Mike Tomlinson, wanted the hearing to be held in public but the inquiry declined.

Anthropologist takes helm at Queen Margaret
Social anthropologist Anthony Cohen, provost of law and social sciences at Edinburgh University, has been appointed principal of Queen Margaret University College. Professor Cohen will succeed Joan Stringer who leaves in January to take up the principalship of Napier University.

N Ireland v-cs blast 'shocking' budget
The vice-chancellors of Northern Ireland’s two universities have angrily condemned the draft budget from the power-sharing executive for failing to boost university research. They say there must be a rethink of the “shocking” plans or the province’s economic competitiveness will be undermined.

Workers 'unaware' of family friendly options
Many working parents with children are not aware of “family friendly” policies that are operated in their workplaces, a study has found. Researchers from Sheffield Hallam and City universities found that 50 per cent of employees did not know about the wide range of policies offered by bosses such as compassionate leave, carer’s leave, flexitime, shift-swapping and voluntary reduction in working hours.