BBC Radio 5 Live covers news, sport and discussion around the clock. In the latest round of stories, it features conversations on education, climate and major sports events, and updates to its public-facing programming.
The Independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes has found that white working‑class pupils are underperforming in GCSEs, with only 36% achieving a Grade 4+ in English and Maths for those on free meals, compared with 72% of non‑free‑lunch pupils. The report urges multi‑generational reform, better mental health support, reading fluency as a national priority, more apprenticeships, extended free childcare, and national transport access for under‑21s. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and school leaders acknowledge the scale of the challenge and stress the need for systemic changes beyond schools alone.
The group stages have concluded and 32 teams advance to the knockout rounds. Ivory Coast faces Norway in Dallas, France meets Sweden in New Jersey, and Mexico plays Ecuador in Mexico City. The Opta simulations show Norway as favourites to advance, while France is heavily favoured to progress. UK and US broadcasts vary by match and venue.
UK fans will not paywall the Champions League final for the first time since 1992 as TNT Sports charges a monthly HBO Max subscription of £4.99 for access to the final and two other UEFA finals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pressed TNT to reconsider, citing fans’ access and affordability.