Analysis shows a steady growth in the awarding of higher degree classifications, especially first class degrees, at universities and colleges. This effect was established before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has led to concerns that degrees have lost their value over time. This Insight brief looks at the evidence for this, and at what universities and the Office for Students are doing and plan to do to address the implications for future cohorts of students. The brief does not constitute regulatory advice, but summarises the issue and the actions related to it. To read the posting click here

Suggestions that training spend should be limited to those with the lowest qualifications are misguided, writes Mandy Crawford-Lee

In the past couple of months, there has been some very useful analysis out from the Learning and Work Institute (LWI). This includes one of its most recent reports called ‘Raising the Bar’, on the lack of employer investment in skills. To read the article click here

The supplement’s front page contrasts a student who’s doing accountancy at a firm as an apprentice with a student who’s doing an accountancy degree.

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