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With a few days left behind in 2012, let us look back at important education news that made us sit back and take notice this year.
- Tuition fee increase. This year students felt a huge impact from government budget cuts for higher education that resulted to universities increasing tuition fees to a new maximum amount of £9,000. The move was part of the government’s austerity measures for reducing the UK’s budget deficit. Students from universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may be less affected as they enjoy tuition sponsorship in part or in full from their governments.
- Employment and career path statistics. The Office for National Statistics released data showing that more graduates found work than non graduates. Amidst a weak economy and spending cuts, employment statistics for last year’s degree earners still proved to be better than feared. The latest ONS data for 2012 also recorded the largest unemployment drop since 2001 owing to strong growth in the private sector.
- Drop in university entrants. A natural consequence of increase in tuition fees, many higher education students opted to defer university entry or find employment immediately.
- Restrictions on international student visa. The government has enforced regulations meant to prevent student visa applications from being abused. A significant move was when it revoked the London Metropolitan University’s licence to teach and recruit non EU students. Business and education experts expressed their reservations over the move’s possible effects on the income international students bring to the UK economy. In response, the government launched a global charm offensive aimed at changing the negative perception of the UK as unwelcoming to foreign students.
- GCSE reforms. This summer’s English GCSE results sparked widespread reaction over last minute changes to grade boundaries, which resulted to thousands of students receiving lower results than previous takers even with the same work. In September the education secretary announced a major shakeup of the English exams system, resulting to the GCSE being planned to be phased out and replaced with an English Baccalaureate qualification.
We may have faced challenges this year, but with hard work and perseverance we can all hope for brighter times ahead.
From the entire staff of Essay Writer, we wish you a festive holiday season! We look forward to another fruitful year of partnership with you as we continue to deliver quality academic writing services this 2013.
