Guide
DfE AI and edtech strategy: what it means for students
A clear guide to the DfE’s AI and edtech goals, EdTech Testbeds, planned AI tutoring tools, digital skills, online safety and student data privacy in England.
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Student news and policy explainers
Short guides that translate official announcements into what students might notice in school or college, without replacing your teachers or exam rules.
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Guides in Student news
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14 published guides available.
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Guide
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act: meals, clubs, uniform costs
A student-friendly guide to what the new Act means for school lunches, morning breakfast clubs and compulsory branded uniform items — plus what differs across the UK.
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Guide
Mobile phones in exams: the rules students need to know
Phones, watches, earbuds and smart devices can put marks or qualifications at risk. This guide explains the official JCQ rules and Ofqual’s May 2026 warning in practical student language.
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Guide
GCSE results on your phone: what the Education Record app changes
A student guide to the new DfE Education Record app in England — including setup, results-day timing, college sharing and what to do if the app is delayed or incomplete.
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Guide
MenB vaccine 2026: what freshers and FE students need to know
From July 2026, a free two-dose NHS MenB vaccine offer covers young people in the 1 September 2007 to 31 August 2008 birth cohort, plus eligible first-time university and residential FE students. Check which group applies to you, when to start, and how England access works.
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Guide
More mental health support teams in schools and colleges: what to know
Mental Health Support Teams are expanding in England. Here is what they do, who they work with, how you can ask for support and when urgent help matters more.
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Guide
Natural History GCSE: what we know so far
DfE is consulting on a proposed Natural History GCSE in England, with draft content covering UK habitats, wildlife, biodiversity, conservation and fieldwork. Here is what is confirmed, what is not final, and what it could mean for GCSE options.
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Guide
OCR A-level physics exam errors: what happened and what to do
Ofqual fined Cambridge OCR £270,000 over 2025 AS and A Level physics paper and mark-scheme errors. Here is what the official sources say, what it can mean for grades, and the steps to take if you suspect a problem.
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Guide
Qualifications Scotland: what the new body means for Scottish exams
A student-friendly guide to the SQA replacement, the qualifications and exam review, 2026 dates and the longer-term changes to watch.
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Guide
SEND support overhaul: what could change for students?
A plain-English guide to the proposed SEND reforms, including mainstream help, specialist places, assistive technology and how to ask for support at school.
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Guide
Student finance 2026/27: apply now, before your place is confirmed
Student Finance England undergraduate applications are open for 2026/27. Here’s what to do now, what to have ready, how Maintenance Loan maximums have changed and what the care-leaver rule means, with clear signposts for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Guide
UCAS fee waiver for care leavers: who qualifies and what to do
From the 2027 cycle, eligible care leavers can have the UCAS fee waived. This guide explains who qualifies, what to upload and why the order of steps matters before you submit.
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Guide
UCAS personal statements are changing for 2026 entry
From 2026 entry onwards, UCAS asks students to answer three structured questions instead of writing one continuous essay. Here’s what the rules mean and how to plan your answers.
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Guide
Under-16 social media ban: what it could mean for revision
The UK government has announced a plan to stop under-16s using certain social media services from Spring 2027. The rules are not fully in force yet, and the details matter if you use YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, gaming chats or creator accounts.
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