Latest Reporting by Guardian Education
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Ms Rachel, the controversial queen of toddler TV: ‘My goal isn’t to be the most liked. It’s to help kids and speak the truth’
Rachel Accurso, known as the popular YouTube creator Ms Rachel, has achieved billions of views for her educational toddler videos while also drawing public attention for her commentary on social and political issues. In an interview, she discusses her approach to children's programming, screen time management, and the reaction to her public statements on topics such as Gaza and LGBTQ rights.
The intersection of children's entertainment and public advocacy highlights how modern digital creators navigate personal politics and massive influence over young audiences.
Water your plants and get an eye mask: 48 life rules every student – and adult – needs to know
Transitioning to independent living for the first time presents numerous challenges for new university students regarding daily routines and social norms. Adapting to an unfamiliar environment requires learning practical self-care and household management skills without parental support. Various guidelines can help young adults navigate this major life milestone and establish healthy habits.
Students scramble for accommodation after provider goes bust in Dundee
Nearly 70 university students in Dundee must find new housing before the academic term starts after their accommodation provider collapsed. The incident reflects broader financial difficulties currently impacting student housing schemes and the wider education sector across the UK.
After 20 years of my school dinners campaign, I’m a happy man. At last, we’re going to feed kids properly | Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver celebrates a government announcement that introduces new school food standards in England. The move follows his 20-year campaign to improve the quality of meals served to children. Oliver says the standards are based on common sense and science and marks a significant win for child nutrition.
European education powerhouses rocked by falling scores in global study
Recent Pisa test results reveal sharp score declines among 15-year-old students across several prominent European nations. Countries including France, Germany, and the Netherlands recorded their lowest-ever performance metrics. Even Finland, historically recognized as a global education leader, experienced significant drops in its assessment outcomes.
Singapore is paying people to read books – can it fix the reading crisis?
Singapore has introduced a government initiative that provides financial incentives to citizens who log their reading time. The program aims to combat declining literacy and screen-time habits by encouraging people to read more books. Behavioral scientists and experts are currently evaluating whether monetary rewards can foster long-term reading habits.
‘It was a mess. I had to do something’: the personal struggle that inspired rap star Giggs to start a special needs school
British rapper Giggs has co-founded a specialist educational centre in Kent for neurodivergent children. The initiative was inspired by his own difficult experiences trying to secure proper autism assessments and support for his children.
Children and mature adults we know about, but why is society so clueless about young people in between? | Gaby Hinsliff
Political discussions in Westminster are increasingly focusing on the need for the state to provide better support for young adults aged 18 to 25. Despite frequent mockery of Generation Z, policymakers are beginning to recognize the unique challenges faced by this demographic as traditional milestones of adulthood shift.
Former student of suspended Reform official ‘reopens case’ against University of Cambridge
A former student of Dr James Orr, a suspended senior Reform UK figure, has reopened a complaint against the University of Cambridge after discovering inconsistencies in the university’s handling of a bullying allegation. The student claims that the university’s assurance of no disciplinary action conflicts with evidence that disciplinary measures were taken. Cambridge had previously paid £5,000 in compensation following an investigation that partially upheld the bullying allegations. The new case highlights potential gaps in the university’s response to misconduct involving high‑profile academics.
Bad Apples review – Saoirse Ronan’s suffering teacher best thing about school horror-satire
Saoirse Ronan stars as a teacher dealing with a disruptive student in Jonatan Etzler's dark comedy adapted from a Swedish novel. Critics note that despite Ronan's strong performance, the film ultimately struggles to deliver sufficient humor or shock value.
Union claims victory as ministers agree to fully fund pay rise for teachers in England
The National Education Union (NEU) celebrates a win after the UK government agreed to fully fund a teachers' pay rise in England, reversing earlier policy that would have required schools to contribute. The decision follows the NEU's threat of strike action over a 3.5% pay increase offer. The move is seen as a significant victory for the union and a relief for teachers facing budget constraints.
‘It sits at the meeting point of science and the humanities’: should you study psychology?
Psychology continues to attract high enrollment numbers at universities due to the broad applicability of behavioral insights across various career paths. Graduates note that the analytical and data-related skills acquired during their studies provide a competitive advantage when entering the job market.
Students in Gaza ‘devastated’ after plan for them to study in Belgium fails
Thirteen Palestinian students slated for scholarships at Belgian universities remain stranded in Gaza after Belgium's governing coalition deadlocked on an evacuation plan. The affected students expressed deep disappointment following the failure of the government to reach a consensus on their departure from the conflict zone.
‘Just be aware of what you’re spending’: budget hints for students
University students face heightened financial pressure amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, requiring careful financial management to make ends meet. Experts advise that planning ahead, exercising self-discipline, hunting for bargains, and utilizing available bursaries are essential strategies for navigating these economic difficulties.
Parents seek out school uniform deals, cutting average spend to £54.53
Families reduced their spending on school uniforms by 12.5% ahead of the new academic year, bringing the average cost down to £54.53. To cope with ongoing cost of living pressures, parents increasingly relied on promotional deals and second-hand clothing options.
Career focus and a community campus: how the University of Birmingham got its mojo back
The University of Birmingham has experienced a significant turnaround in student satisfaction and academic performance following the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Institution leaders used the period of global upheaval to re-evaluate their educational offerings and student engagement strategies. This strategic shift helped the institution position itself as a notable success story within the higher education sector.
Why has university become such a scam? | Zoe Williams
Graduates are leaving university with an average debt of £53,000 while entry‑level jobs are shrinking, prompting calls for political action. The piece highlights the Rethink Repayment campaign, which seeks fairer student debt settlements. It also notes that a significant portion of young people still live with their parents, underscoring the financial strain on recent graduates.
Your dream university bedroom: how to get that Insta glow-up
University students face spending significant downtime in their student accommodations, making the comfort and personalization of their bedrooms an important priority. This guide offers practical advice on how to transform basic living spaces into appealing and functional environments for studying and relaxing.
Can you futureproof your career by choosing an AI-resistant degree?
Experts note that selecting an academic degree to permanently protect a career against advancements in artificial intelligence is extremely difficult. Rapid technological progress means that future workers will likely need to adapt continuously rather than rely on a single AI-proof field of study.
Researchers hope powerful new microscope will reveal ‘root cause’ of incurable bowel disease
Scientists are utilizing a newly developed microscope with ten times the resolution of standard technology to investigate inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers aim to use the advanced device to uncover the cellular mechanisms behind these chronic conditions and ultimately develop effective treatments.
