Helena Gillespie

Nov 8, 2023 | theconversation.com | Helena Gillespie

A government scheme to help children catch up with schooling they missed during the pandemic is still struggling to help those most in need. A recent independent evaluation of the National Tutoring Programme has assessed the impact of the catch-up strategy in 2021-22, its second year. It has found that while some improvements were made by some children and schools, the overall impact of the scheme has been small.

Aug 3, 2023 | theconversation.com | Helena Gillespie

Teachers in England have voted to end strike action and accept the government’s offer of a 6.5% pay rise, which is partly supported by new government funding. More than 80% of teachers who voted in three unions and 77% in the other accepted the pay deal. In a joint statement with the prime minister, teachers’ union leaders stated that the pay offer “recognises the vital role that teachers play in our country, and ensures that teaching will continue to be an attractive profession”.

Jul 25, 2023 | europeanfinancialreview.com | Matthew Aldrich |Helena Gillespie

By and The government has promised to crack down on “rip-off degrees” in England. It will place a cap on student numbers for courses that deliver “poor outcomes” for students – because they have high drop-out rates or do not lead to well-paying jobs. The intention of the government intervention is to ensure that students get appropriate value from their courses. It also intends to make sure taxpayers aren’t left to foot the bill when students don’t earn enough to repay all of their student loans.

Jul 20, 2023 | theconversation.com | Matthew Aldrich |Helena Gillespie

The government has promised to crack down on “rip-off degrees” in England. It will place a cap on student numbers for courses that deliver “poor outcomes” for students – because they have high drop-out rates or do not lead to well-paying jobs. The intention of the government intervention is to ensure that students get appropriate value from their courses. It also intends to make sure taxpayers aren’t left to foot the bill when students don’t earn enough to repay all of their student loans.

Feb 2, 2023 | theconversation.com | Helena Gillespie

On February 1 2023, teachers in England and Wales joined their Scottish counterparts by going on strike, resulting in widespread school closures. Teachers made up part of an estimated half a million workers on strike across the UK. They are striking for improved pay and working conditions. Recent polling by YouGov suggests that about half of the British public support striking teachers and a significant number (44%) blame the government for the strike, rather than the teachers or unions themselves.