Oxbridge Essays

Top UK Universities 2013

Ed — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:05:37 +0000

The prestigious Guardian University Guide 2013 shows some suprising upsets in the rankings as tuition fees loom...

Tuition Fees Feedback Negative

Elly — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:05:20 +0000

A stark report from the Higher Education Policy Institute has shown that since tuition fees trebled to over £3000 in 2006, students have not benefitted from increased contact hours or decreased class sizes, prompting fears that the new £9000 fees in 2012 will be similarly unrewarding for university students.

How Can We Stop School Children Smoking?

bruno — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:31:15 +0000

Startling figures reveal the true extent of the underage smoking problem in the UK. But what is the best way to stop school children smoking, and whose responsibility is it anyway?

UK Higher Education Only 10th Best Globally

Elly — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:27:20 +0000

Yet another global ranking of higher education has seen UK universities plummet compared to their international competitors since severe government cuts to education. This one, by Universitas 21, warns that government funding is a vital aspect of international reputation.

Should Teachers and Students be Facebook Friends?

bruno — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:02:48 +0000

A furore is currently raging over whether students and teachers should be able to interact using social networks like Facebook. Some claim the idea is dangerous and unnecessary, whilst others feel it will help drive education into the 21st Century.

Should PE be ‘Fun’ for Girls?

Elly — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:10:54 +0000

A new survey reveals that the number of girls doing enough physical exercise is disturbingly low - and shows that many female pupils have pinpointed school PE lessons as the reason why.

UK Schools in ‘Anti-Gay Marriage’ Scandal

bruno — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:44:11 +0000

A row has erupted over claims that a letter sent to over 300 Catholic state schools urged against gay marriage and may have led to some students being encouraged to sign an online petition.

Still More Upheaval Ahead for UK Universities

Elly — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:31:40 +0000

Before the dust has settled on the enormous upheaval to tuition fees and university policy, the government is already making moves to shake up higher education and university admissions in 2013. Many fear this is too much change, too soon.

UK Teacher Numbers Drop by 10,000 in a Year

Ed — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:06:34 +0000

A shocking new statistic reveals that the number of teachers in England's state schools plummeted by 10,000 within a single year. We look into the reasons why.

£18,000 Private College has “Lowest State School Intake”

bruno — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:49:28 +0000

The controversial New College of the Humanities has hit the headlines once again, as academics claim its 22% state school intake represents the lowest number of state school pupils taken by any university. With £18,000 per year tuition fees, it's not hard to see why the college is facing claims of academic elitism...

Are Bullies Spoiling School Sport?

Elly — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:43:13 +0000

A startling new survey shows that over 50% of children have experienced taunting and threats on the school sports field, raising concerns about bullying and bad sportsmanship.

London University to Cut Down on Alcohol and Sex

Ed — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:40:32 +0000

A London university has announced plans to consider introducing alcohol-free zones on campus amid concerns that more cultural sensitivity is needed to cater to Muslim students.

Should We Teach RE in Schools?

bruno — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:35:00 +0000

Should we teach RE in schools? A recent comment by the Archbishop of Canterbury has sparked a debate on the inclusion of religious education on the National Curriculum.

Should Universities Set A-Levels?

Ed — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:52:36 +0000

Education Secretary Michael Gove has proposed allowing universities to set the content of A-level exams, but the scheme has met with a mixed response from many quarters...

Would YOU Choose a Uni for its Hotel?

Elly — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:39:40 +0000

A new survey claims universities across the country are signing up to a series of wacky new investments like hotels in a desperate effort to boost student numbers. But would you pick a uni for its hotel? We've got some better ideas...

Are Parents to Blame for Unruly Children?

bruno — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:45:42 +0000

A new survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers showed this week that classroom behaviour has deteriorated rapidly over the past five years. We ask whether parents or schools are to blame.

Fairer UCAS Applications Scrapped

Elly — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:02:52 +0000

UCAS has shelved plans to introduce post-results university applications, in spite of many students feeling it would be a much fairer and more transparent way to organise admissions.

UK University Reputations Slipping

Ed — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:29:35 +0000

The Times Higher Education university rankings show that UK universities are slipping down the table as their reputation suffers from cuts and tuition fees chaos.

45,000 UK Students Caught Cheating

Elly — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:47:50 +0000

A shocking investigation has revealed that 45,000 students at UK universities were caught cheating in the past three years. We look at the reasons why students cheat, and how the problem might be solved.

First Class Essays

bruno — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:42:17 +0000

Recent reports show that more and more students are looking outside university for help with essay writing skills. Many turn to companies like Oxbridge essays to help them learn the techniques required to write a first class essay.

Funny Student Pranks from Around the World

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:20:34 +0000

If you are starting university this September in the UK, you need embrace the fantastic opportunity and live each day to its fullest because you will always remember your student years as the best time of your life! People always say that being a student and living the student lifestyle is one of the most [...]

How to Ace an Ivy League Interview

Elly — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:25:25 +0000

Prospective applicants might be surprised by just how greatly the Ivy League interview differs from the traditional, academic process favoured by UK institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. We give you our top tips on acing the interview across the pond!

How to Write the Perfect Ivy League Admissions Essay

Elly — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:04:34 +0000

Writing an Ivy League admissions essay is a daunting task, particularly for UK students who are unfamiliar with the style and content required. Follow our top tips to create the perfect admissions essay for Ivy League success!

How to Get Into the Ivy League

Elly — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:00:21 +0000

Applying to the American Ivy League from the UK is no simple task. We have the lowdown on everything you need to know to ace that Ivy League application, from SAT tests to admissions essays.

UK Students Turn to Ivy League

bruno — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:31:49 +0000

We take a look at the rising trend for UK students to choose Ivy League universities over elite UK institutions. Are soaring tuition fees to blame? And what attractions do US universities hold for UK students?

Should GCSEs Get Harder?

Ed — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:57:15 +0000

As Ofqual announces changes to four key GCSE subjects, intended to make exams tougher, we look at the reasons behind the decision and whether or not it will be effective.

Nearly 1/3 of Undergraduate Courses in England Axed

Elly — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:54:14 +0000

A shocking report published this week reveals the huge number of UK university courses that have been cut in recent years. As tuition fees soar, the breadth of degree options provided by UK universities is becoming increasingly limited.

Les Ebdon Appointed Director for Fair Access

Ed — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:09:17 +0000

The government has finally appointed Professor Les Ebdon as the new director of the Office for Fair Access. But will Ebdon be allowed the power he needs to make a real difference to skewed university access statistics, or will the OFFA remain a "toothless regulator"?

Tuition Fees Early Repayment Fines Abandoned

Elly — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:11:16 +0000

The government has announced plans to abandon the early loan repayment penalties which had initially formed part of its new tuition fees scheme. We reveal the political horse-trading behind the decision.

MIT’s Free Online Course

Ed — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:08:18 +0000

For the first time a university-level course has been made available free of charge to students all over the world in a completely digital format. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has launched its exciting and innovative MITx online learning initiative.

Tuition Fees Critic Rejected as University Watchdog Chief

bruno — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:30:39 +0000

A group of Conservative MPs has voted to prevent Les Ebdon, chair of the Million+ university think tank and tuition fees critic, from becoming director of the Office for Fair Access to Education. The implications for higher education policy are extremely disturbing.

Are UK Students Too Dumb For Dickens?

Elly — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:51:30 +0000

Respected Dickens biographer Claire Tomalin has come forward on the eve of the great author's bicentenary to claim that UK pupils are no longer able to appreciate the classic works of great writers like Dickens and Shakespeare.

You Know You’re A Student When…

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:16:04 +0000

It can be one of the most exciting, rewarding and fun experiences of your life being a student in the UK. It can also be stressful, daunting and lonely. From managing all the essays, exams and workloads to balancing it with a thrilling social life, the modern day student really can have the time of [...]

University Applications Statistics Revealed

Ed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:34:49 +0000

Figures released by UCAS show the full extent of the impact of raised tuition fees on this year's crop of university applications. We take a closer look at the numbers.

University Tuition Fees Commission Created

Ed — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:55:53 +0000

A new tuition fees commission has been set up to investigate the effects of the new higher education funding scheme, paying particular attention to the impact on students from poorer backgrounds. Will Hutton will lead the commission.

What’s in a Name? New College vs. The New College

bruno — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:53:02 +0000

A battle between academia old and new has commenced, with New College, Oxford fighting the New College of the Humanities for exclusivity over its name. It's all a little bit childish really...

Saying No to Oxbridge

Elly — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:05:49 +0000

Schoolgirl Elly Nowell sent a scathing rejection letter to Magdalen College, Oxford, criticising its interview procedure for being elitist and intimidating. We look more closely at the details of her complaint.

Fewer than 1 in 5 UK University Professors Are Female

Ed — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:36:20 +0000

Nearly half of all university academic staff in the UK are female, so why do women hold fewer than 1 in 5 of the most senior academic posts? We investigate the truth behind this shocking statistic.

Is Cambridge Defend Education Defensible?

bruno — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:06:47 +0000

Cambridge Defend Education has divided opinion with its tuition fees protests, its occupations and its interruption of a speech by Universities Minister David Willetts. With respected Cambridge professors stepping into the ring, we look at the arguments both for and against the controversial group.

Are Degrees Being Devalued?

Elly — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:38:54 +0000

Statistics released this week reveal a huge rise in the number of first class degrees being awarded by UK universities. But is it really a good thing, or are we starting to devalue degrees?

UK to Revamp Education Technology and Computing in Schools

Ed — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:40:51 +0000

Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced plans to completely revamp Britain's outdated and behind-the-times IT teaching, with a new curriculum coming into force as early as this September. We look into the details of the scheme and report on what the sceptics are saying...

University Applications Remain Sluggish

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:58:39 +0000

As the deadline for UCAS university applications approaches, tuition fees have deterred more than 20,000 UK students from applying this year. Some groups are far more severely affected than others, we reveal.

UK University Rankings 2012

bruno — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:55:36 +0000

We bring you the most important information from the major UK university league tables for 2012 in one simple, concise article!

School English Language Support Threatened

Elly — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:30:48 +0000

In a further blow to UK schools, the government is considering cutting the amount of English language support available to pupils who speak English as a second language...

UK Education Damaged by Cuts

Ed — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:05:08 +0000

New research undertaken by the Guardian newspaper reveals disturbing evidence that the drastic education cuts are already having a marked effect on UK schools.

UK Exam Board Scandal Exposed

Elly — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:38:51 +0000

In a shocking undercover report, the Daily Telegraph has provided footage of examiners at examination board conferences providing teachers with the details of specific questions to be set on forthcoming papers. We ask what this will mean for UK education.

Will Tuition Fees Drive UK Students Abroad?

Ed — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:32:06 +0000

Will soaring tuition fees drive the best and brightest UK pupils abroad for university? Top academis fear that UK universities might lose not only their best pupils but also their most talented researchers to positions abroad.

UK Students Turn to Prostitution

bruno — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:45:45 +0000

Disturbing new claims suggest that increasing numbers of students are turning to prostitution and lap dancing to fund their education, as university tuition fees soar to £9000.

Alan Bennett Denounces Tuition Fees

Ed — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:07:15 +0000

Great British playwright Alan Bennett has lamented the certain impact raised tuition fees will have on talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Bennett denounced the coalition government's tuition fees scheme, saying that it will prevent talented writers like himself from working-class backgrounds from managing to reach university.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Music

Elly — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:25:38 +0000

Learn how to ace an Oxbridge interview with our sample answers to real Oxbridge interview questions. This week we tackle a topic from a real Oxbridge interview for a candidate applying to study music.

One Fifth of Universities Change Tuition Fees

bruno — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:57:13 +0000

More bad news for university admissions this week, as last-minute tuition fees changes throw applicants into turmoil. Those who have already applied miss out on the chance to take advantage of lowered fees at 25 universities, while worrying evidence suggests that the lowered fees are a direct result of withdrawn bursary and scholarship funding.

University Applications at “Crisis Point”

Ed — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:21:15 +0000

As the university applications period progresses, the number of students applying for higher education courses continues to fall dramatically compared to this time last year. The government continues to make excuses, but the opposition has stepped forward with a bold new promise for higher education.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Modern Languages

Elly — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:11:02 +0000

How do you ace an Oxbridge Interview? This week, our Real Oxbridge Interview Questions series looks at modern languages. We take a genuine modern languages interview question and explore ways to answer it successfully.

Cambridge Students Force Willetts Out

Elly — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:56:30 +0000

A dramatic confrontation took place at Cambridge University this week, where anti-tuition fees protesters confronted Universities Minister David Willetts during an organised lecture and forced him to leave the stage, abandoning his speech.

Willetts Defends Tuition Fees

bruno — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:29:36 +0000

As the tuition fees furore rages on and early figures indicate plunging numbers of university applicants, David Willetts has given an interview desperately attempting to defend his tuition fees policy. The results are far from convincing.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Medicine

Elly — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:21:29 +0000

This week's Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered blog takes on one of the most feared interviews of all: medicine. Discover what an Oxbridge medicine admissions tutor is really looking for and how to deliver it through the interview, with a genuine Oxford University interview question as an example.

Top Universities Ranked by Profession

Ed — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:05 +0000

A new league table reveals the best UK universities for studying vocational subjects that lead to particular professions. The resulting rankings hold several surprises, considerably shaking up the 'usual list' of top UK universities.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: History

Elly — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:49:25 +0000

This week our Real Oxbridge Interview Questions blog turns to history, one of the most popularly studied subjects at university. The genuine interview question from Oxford University reveals some surprising truths about what the interviewer is really looking for...

Tuition Fees Protesters Face Rubber Bullets

bruno — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:41:35 +0000

Police have revealed that the potential use of rubber bullets has been approved against those marching in the protest against rising tuition fees this Wednesday. The move, which could be said to implicitly criminalise the legitimate act of protest and suggest that students and young people are more likely to be violent than adult protesters, has outraged politicians and human rights groups.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Engineering

Elly — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:57:28 +0000

Ever wanted to know how to approach a question in an Oxbridge interview? Nervous about the 'scary' Oxbridge interview process? Wish you could see some examples of actual past Oxbridge interview questions? You've come to the right place! This week: Engineering.

UCAS ‘Favours Rich Kids’

Ed — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:53:28 +0000

UCAS, the university applications body, has published the results of a report into the whole university applications process, which suggests that the current system may allow unfair advantages to pupils from private schools and privileged backgrounds. It has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the system, including a move for university places to be allocated after A-level grades have been awarded.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Law

Elly — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:57:41 +0000

Law can be one of the most intimidating subjects to prepare for at interview, as many candidates worry about not knowing enough technical detail. This genuine Oxford Interview question shows that technique is actually much more important than prior knowledge.

University Applications Plummet as Tuition Fees Rise

Ed — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:38:25 +0000

Early figures show a dramatic drop in applications to university from UK students. We look at the details behind the statistics, and consider who has been most severely deterred from applying to higher education as a result of the new tuition fees system.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Biological Sciences

Elly — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:54:53 +0000

More great admissions tips this week as we tackle another real Oxbridge interview question and consider some of the many ways in which it might be successfully answered. This week's subject is Biological Sciences.

Tuition Fees Chaos Wreaks Havoc with University Applications

bruno — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:44:08 +0000

With 28 universities announcing plans to revise their tuition fees arrangements, university applications have been thrown into chaos. Tens of thousands of students trying to navigate the already complex fees arrangements are now being forced to make blind decisions about where to apply. We explain the developments that have caused these problems, and who is likely to be worst affected.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: English Literature

Elly — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:53:09 +0000

The first in a new series of blogs taking individual genuine Oxbridge interview questions and showing a wide variety of ways to tackle them at interview. This week, English Literature.

Slashed EMA Hits College Enrolment

bruno — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:33:08 +0000

As predicted by campaigners and protesters, the enrolment figures now prove that the government decision to slash the Education Maintenance Allowance has had a devastating effect on college enrolment figures amongst the poorest students. Read on for a detailed analysis of the facts and figures.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Revealed!

Elly — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:47:59 +0000

In a controversial move, specific genuine Oxbridge interview questions have been released for the first time in an attempt to demystify the applications process. We look at the set of questions released and draw conclusions from them about what to expect from an Oxbridge interview, and how you are expected to answer.

World University Rankings Revealed

Ed — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:34:14 +0000

This year's World University Rankings have finally been revealed, and a great upset has caused controversy at the top of the table. We analyse the results, both internationally and focussing on the top 20 UK Universities listed.

Should Children Leave School at 14?

Elly — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:39:59 +0000

Former Chief Inspector of schools Sir Chris Woodhead has called for the school leaving age in England to be reduced to 14, provoking a furiously heated response across the country. We examine his argument, and those angrily raised against it.

Bursaries Fail to Attract Poor Students

bruno — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:55:14 +0000

Worrying new statistics show that increasing financial support in the form of bursaries does not necessarily help attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to elite universities. We ask what this means for the new tuition fees scheme and how we can address the problem of equal access to university for all.

Is the Internet Good or Bad for Education?

Elly — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:33:24 +0000

The birth of the internet heralded a new age for education. But has it ultimately been a positive or a negative influence? Can fabulous resources and online lecture series outweigh the risks of cyberbullying and cheating? We consider the arguments on both sides.

How To Get Into Oxbridge: Interview

Ed — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:58:27 +0000

Forget the warnings; forget the horror stories; our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog is here to demystify the Oxbridge interview process! Follow our top tips to interview and application success!

Are UK Universities Racist?

Elly — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:20:09 +0000

A spate of disturbing stories regarding racism in UK higher education has recently hit the headlines. We look more closely at the incidents and consider the problem of racism at UK universities.

Should Schools Bring Back Corporal Punishment?

bruno — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:10:29 +0000

A surprising survey this week revealed that almost half of parents and an astonishing number of pupils would like to see corporal punishment or caning brought back to the British classroom.

How to get into Oxbridge: The Personal Statement

Elly — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:57:56 +0000

Our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog series continues, with a whistle-stop guide to writing the perfect personal statement. In ten concise, simple tips, we take you from start to finish, with insider advice on how to craft the personal section 10 of your UCAS form!

Tuition Fees Loan Scheme ‘Crazy’

Elly — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:22:15 +0000

A new report from a highly respected think tank has branded government plans to penalise early repayment of student loans 'crazy'. The think tank, CentreForum, claims hard working middle-income graduates will be hit by the scheme.

UK Tops World University Rankings

Ed — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:43:32 +0000

A new table published this week ranks Cambridge University as the very best in the world, but the creator of the rankings warned that bad news is swiftly to follow for UK higher education...

How To Get Into Oxbridge: Colleges

Elly — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:08:04 +0000

Applying to Oxbridge can seem like a daunting mountain to climb, but our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog series is here to help. This week, we take you through the steps of choosing the college that's right for you!

‘Soft’ Subjects on the Rise

Ed — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:59:23 +0000

As the dust clears from this year's bumper crop of GCSE results, more statistics come to light about the popularity of traditional academic subjects. Some trends are very surprising indeed...

GCSE Gender Gap Widens

bruno — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:45 +0000

As the gender gap in GCSE grades widens for yet another year in a row, we take a closer look at the figures and ask what causes could be behind the discrepancy.

Report Claims Tuition Fees Unfair and Unworkable

Elly — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:17:49 +0000

The long-awaited Higher Education Policy Institute response to the government's white paper on higher education has arrived, and it isn't pretty. We summarise its condemnation of the new tuition fees policy and the damning predictions for the damage to be caused to social mobility and fair access to education.

A Level Results Chaos

Ed — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:42:25 +0000

With UCAS websites crashing and the clearing system inundated with calls, this year's A-level results day ran less than smoothly. One can only wonder what chaos will be in store next year, when varied tuition fees and financial arrangements are thrown into the mix...

Should School Discipline Be Stricter?

bruno — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:42:09 +0000

Following a wave of violence on British streets, politicians and campaigners have questioned school discipline, asking whether stricter rules in school would translate to better behaviour outside the classroom.

Are Young People to Blame for Riots?

Ed — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:11:21 +0000

With the recent riots and violence being strongly linked by many to disorder amongst teenagers and students, we take a closer look at the reasoning and arguments to ask whether young people are really to blame. What role has education (or failures of education) played in the development of these problems?

Should Maths A-Level be Compulsory?

bruno — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:19:34 +0000

Carol Vorderman has produced a report advising the government to make maths compulsory in all schools until the age of 18. We look at some of the recommendations of the report, and gauge the reaction from both supporters and critics.

The Pros and Cons of E-Learning and Education Technology

Elly — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:29:33 +0000

With the new wave of education technology sweeping through our schools and colleges, we take a look at the pros and cons of the e-learning revolution.

University Bidding War for A-Grade Students

bruno — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:49:48 +0000

A controversial new government policy has sparked a bidding frenzy for students with the best A-Level grades, forcing universities into direct competition with one another. We look at the possible impact the new scheme might have on higher education.

Private Tutors for State Schools

Ed — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:15:21 +0000

The news that a private tutoring company would be setting up camp in several state schools caused controversy this week. We look at the details of the story, and ask whether it is an 'unethical use of public money'.

Should we be Cutting Student Visas?

Elly — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:55:28 +0000

Government plans to dramatically cut student visas have been heavily criticised this week. We look into the flaws in the plan and how they relate to other current higher education concerns.

Schools Scholarships Scheme

Ed — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:43:46 +0000

Simon Hughes, advocate for access to education, has recommended the government change its scholarship scheme to give schools, not universities, the right to award tuition fees scholarships in 2012. We look at the details and implications of the scheme.

UK Schools in Crisis

Elly — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:12:28 +0000

A concise summary of the plethora of problems currently facing the English schools system, along with a look at the potential solutions that might solve them.

£9000 Fees Confirmed by “Toothless” Regulator

bruno — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:18:20 +0000

When the government regulatory body OFFA announced this week that all English universities had been allowed to charge the fees they had set for themselves, equal access campaigners were angry but unsurprised. The 'toothless' regulators put in place by the government to allow tuition fees of £9000 only "under exceptional circumstances" have allowed fees to climb to an average of £8393.

Why Oxbridge?

Elly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:38:42 +0000

After Adrian asked "why Oxbridge" on our blog last week, we started thinking about the reasons why students apply to Oxbridge before other UK universities. Here is our definitive list of the most important ways Oxford and Cambridge stand out from other universities and what really makes them so special.

Huge Gulf Revealed in Private: State Oxbridge Entry

Ed — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:40:32 +0000

New figures this week revealed a shocking divide between pupils from private and state schools getting into the elite Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Is Oxbridge entry biased, or does the problem lie elsewhere in the education system?

How to get into Oxbridge: Preparation

Elly — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:03:46 +0000

With competition this year due to be more fierce than it has even been, it has never been more important to get started early on Oxbridge application preparation. Our Oxbridge experts set out their key steps for preparing now, in advance of the application period in October. All you need to know to maximise your chances of getting into Oxbridge.

Does School Essay Writing Stifle Creativity?

bruno — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:09:32 +0000

As a government review finds that the SAT tests designed to assess 'creative writing' are actually stifling children's imaginations, we ask what is wrong with the current system and what can be done to re-introduce creativity to the classroom.

UK Universities Shake Up Explained

Elly — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:35:29 +0000

Today's higher education white paper laid out controversial proposals for universities in the UK. Confused? We outline the key points raised and summarise the arguments both for and against the reforms.

Students to Fight Tuition Fees in High Court

Ed — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:52:14 +0000

As the tuition fees furore continues, two teenagers have won an unprecedented battle to take the fight to the High Court. They will argue that the government's new tuition fees policy contravenes human rights law by disadvantaging students from poorer backgrounds and creating an elitist system where university is for the rich.

Private School Vs State school

Elly — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:12:47 +0000

The private school vs state school debate is one of the oldest and most hotly argued academic questions. We take a fresh look at some of the pros and cons of each type of schooling.