Going to school, college or university five days a week is not the only way to get a qualification.

The half-term break for schools in Surrey is being extended in the autumn of 2026.

The government will no longer fund some courses for older learners in order to boost entry level training places.

School at Bearded Theory festival allows parents to enrol children without incurring fines for absences

In a sunny classroom a group of children are constructing music festival stages out of cardboard; in the “playground” outside another class are learning how to throw a diabolo. It is Friday morning at school – but not as you know it.

This is Bearded Theory’s Festival School, where parents...

Attacks on the university make clear that the administration will wield its power against anyone who incurs its displeasure

In record time, a court has at least temporarily put a stop to the Trump administration’s latest attack on Harvard University, part of a larger retaliation spree that began in April.

On Thursday, Kristi Noem had revoked Harvard’s certification to host international...

Hong Kong has called on the city’s universities to open their doors to those affected by Donald Trump’s attempted ban on foreign students

Hong Kong’s education bureau has called on the city’s universities to “attract top talent” by opening their doors to those affected by the Trump administration’s attempt to ban Harvard from enrolling international students.

Last week the Trump administration...

Country at top of education charts aims to equip students and teachers with ‘world-class artificial intelligence skills’

While many schools in England have banned smartphones, in Estonia – regarded as the new European education powerhouse – students are regularly asked to use their devices in class, and from September they will be given their own AI accounts.

The small Baltic country –...

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

Should schools still be taking a long summer break – is it detrimental to children’s learning? Or should they go year-round with shorter breaks? Julia Phillipson, Corby

Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com.

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Exclusive: Schools minister declines to rule out replacing EHCP documents as part of plans to change Send system

Hundreds of thousands of children with special needs could lose their legal entitlement to extra support in schools in England under plans being considered by ministers, a move that campaigners warn could force thousands more pupils out of mainstream education.

The reforms relate to...

After uncertainty this year, the Trump administration has said it would revoke the university’s ability to enrol international students

British and international students at Harvard report “growing anxiety” over their fate, as the Trump administration’s latest attack on the university could see them forced to disrupt their studies and careers.

On Thursday, the administration said it would...

Students at the oldest US university are feeling shocked and frightened by an attempt by the Trump administration to ban foreign scholars

Harvard’s foreign students described an atmosphere of “fear on campus” following an attempt by the Trump administration to ban international scholars at the oldest university in the US.

On lush, grassy quads filled with tents and chairs ready for end of year...

Ivy League school condemns Trump officials’ ‘blatant violation’ of constitution and ‘retribution’ in 72-page lawsuit

US university scholars and international students: are you considering working or studying elsewhere?

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would ban the institution from enrolling...

Ivy league school calls administration’s decision unconstitutional retaliation for defying White House’s demands

US politics live – latest updates

Harvard University on Friday sued the Trump administration over its abrupt ban the day before on enrolling foreign students.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has accused Columbia University of violating civil rights laws, while overseas...

Princess Elisabeth has completed her first year but Trump administration’s crackdown may jeopardise her studies

Princess Elisabeth, the 23-year-old future queen of Belgium, has just completed her first year at Harvard University but the ban imposed by Donald Trump’s administration on foreign students studying there could jeopardise her continued attendance.

The US president’s administration...

But health unions react angrily after a smaller rise of 3.6% is announced for other NHS staff, including nurses and midwives.

All members of the senior civil service should receive a 3.25% rise, the government says

The Conservatives are taking the credit for the near-50% fall in net migration. They say it is the changes to visa rules that they introduced that brought the numbers down.

This is from Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary.

Net migration has halved – dropped by 430,000 – in 2024 compared to 2023

This is...

Other NHS workers to get 3.6% increase in government’s latest review of public sector pay

UK politics live – latest updates

Teachers and doctors in England will receive a 4% pay rise, and other NHS workers a 3.6% rise, ministers have announced after the latest review of public sector pay.

More details soon …

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Children’s commissioner joins Kyiv in asking DfE to create new qualification to cope with ‘immense upheaval’ of fleeing war

The children’s commissioner has joined Kyiv in lobbying the UK government to introduce a new GCSE in Ukrainian to help child refugees cope with the “immense upheaval” of fleeing war in their country.

In December, the Guardian revealed that Ukraine was “deeply...

Campaigners say knowledge taught at Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts vital to preserve traditional skills, especially luthiery

The making of stringed instruments will become a critically endangered craft under plans to close new courses at the only UK college teaching the skills as a full-time degree.

The Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts, owned and overseen by Lincoln...

Stormont’s Education Committee is told shutting a child alone in a room in school should be banned

It is aimed at making it easier for Cornwall’s 2,500 home-schooled children to take their GCSEs.