If further proof were needed that all is not well in the Scottish education system it has come in the form of yesterday's shocking Scottish Survey of Achievement (SSA) report, published by the government. The Scotsman reports that it paints a deeply worrying picture of school education.
Reading and writing skills among Scottish schoolchildren have not improved since 2005, it says. About 75 per cent of primary three children have well-established reading skills, but only 40 per cent of pupils in second year at secondary had the expected levels. 

A third Scottish university has been hit by Government restrictions on the recruitment of students in subjects seen as vital and beneficial to the economy.

The universities of Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh appeared the worst hit, but now Glasgow University has also admitted it will have to reduce numbers by around 100.

Read the full article in The Herald

The Council has decided to review the WARP in 2010 as part of wider review of its access and inclusion programme funding in colleges and universities, and also in the context of the introduction of New Horizon funding.

Find out more about this review by reading the SFC full circular sent on the 22nd January 2010. 

The Scottish Participation in Further and Higher Education report   has been released by the Scottish Funding Council.   

As you may know the FACE annual conference is the premier networking event of the year for everyone concerned or involved in widening participation, HE access or lifelong learning.

This years conference title ' Which way now for widening participation? Lifelong Learning, Economy & Society' really says it all.  So if you haven't been to a FACE conference before this is one not to be missed and if you have you won't need any more encouragement to attend.

This is a vital time for the WP agenda so be part of the debate at the FACE conference at Southampton Solent University, 30th June to 2nd July.

For more information and details of how to register.

‘Inclusive Curriculum and Assessment – equalising the student experience, how level is the playing field?’

The NADP Annual Conference 2010 will take place on Tuesday 29^th and Wednesday 30^th June at the Oxford Barcelo Hotel.

Further information about the conference programme, workshops and booking form can be found on our website www.nadp-uk.org/events

The Annual Revision of the Spring budget has been published. 

One of the main changes include:

• The Scottish Funding Council will receive an additional £20 million largely from savings secured from across other portfolios to help it meet the costs resulting from increased levels of higher and further education students entering the system this year.

Read the full document available on the Scottish Government's website. 

The Scottish Government have publicised the destinations of leavers for 2007/08.  This reports on all higher education qualifications, including those at HNC/ HND level and students that upgraded their previous higher education qualification.

For more information, download the full document

Attainment in Higher Education and Destinations of Leavers 2007-08

Aimhigher West is undertaking research to better understand how learners’ potential for higher education is identified for widening participation activities.

If you are an education professional who has a role in identifying learners with potential for higher education (e.g. a school Aimhigher co-ordinator, a Gifted and Talented co-ordinator, a teacher, an FE lecturer, a progression to HE officer, etc) would you please assist this research by following the survey monkey link below and completing the questionnaire. 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F5W39LN  

This report provides summary enrolment and outcome information for students studying at Edinburgh Napier University who prior to enrolling were studying at college.  The significance of college students and the relationship with colleges is of vital importance for the university.