A West Country research university with campuses in Exeter and Cornwall
Federal student‑loan regulations have changed this week under the One Big Beautiful Bill and court rulings. The Education Department has rolled out new repayment plans, temporary interest‑rate cuts for autopay enrollees, and lifetime borrowing caps for graduate and professional students, while a federal judge has paused the department's narrowed definition of "professional degree," temporarily preserving wider borrowing access for many advanced‑health and other programs. Notices are going out to millions of borrowers who must pick new plans.
Experts propose a revised view of Stonehenge's construction, suggesting wooden tracks in wetlands moved sarsen and bluestones, with mass feasting indicating more social display than efficiency. New visuals accompany Dr. Susan Greaney's claims that Stonehenge builders used wooden rail-like tracks, not rollers, and that a large workforce may have showcased power.
Researchers report a lab-made, membrane-bound system called SpudCell that can feed, grow, replicate genetic material, and divide. The work demonstrates a complete cell-like cycle in a synthetic chassis, using viral components for replication and translation, and points toward future modular engineering while acknowledging remaining challenges.
Coastguard Rescue Officers have had plans to switch to an expenses-only model halted. Current arrangements remain, with further engagement planned to understand how CROs can be recognised and rewarded. The change was scrapped after pressure from MPs, unions and coastguard volunteers who warned the move would damage public safety.
A collection of articles shows record heat-related deaths across Europe and North America linked to a warming climate and El Niño, with officials expanding cooling programs and researchers urging responsible media portrayal to shape urgency. The data indicate rising temperatures and strained infrastructure, while experts forecast more extreme conditions ahead.
The government has unveiled a major reform to place technical education on par with academic routes for 14-year-olds, starting from September 2028. The plan links studies to local jobs, expands work experience, and shifts school performance measures to reflect technical pathways. Reactions from unions and educators highlight funding and implementation questions amid a broader debate on youth unemployment and post-16 education.
Meteorological agencies and the UN have reported a very strong El Niño that has continued to intensify in August 2026. Forecasts show record-warm Pacific sea-surface temperatures, rising global heat and an elevated risk of droughts, floods and food insecurity that will push tens of millions more people into acute hunger this year and next.
Labour has announced a review into how schooling prepares pupils for their futures, with Labour leader Powell arguing for parity between academic and technical routes and criticizing the previous administration for NEET levels. The plan includes cross-party aims to expand technical education and address the number of young people not in education, employment or training.
Universities UK and sector leaders warn that a levy on international student fees, combined with fee freezes, is intensifying financial pressure on UK higher education. Visa declines and course cuts threaten jobs and offerings even as demand from UK students remains strong.
Universities are reportedly under financial pressure as a new international student levy is set to erode revenue from overseas cohorts. Ivory Tower leaders warn of cuts to staff and courses, while government decisions on fees and visas have drawn criticism amid a backdrop of mounting debt and a shifting student landscape.
UK A-level entries have reached a record high with top grades rising again. Maths remains the most popular subject, while the share of A/A* grades has increased. Boys lead in top grades, with economics and other quantitative subjects gaining traction as students weigh future job prospects.
GCSE results show only a minority of older students pass maths and English on resits, prompting government to push a Level 1 stepping-stone option from 2028. Education leaders warn against a two-tier system and demand broader pathways as ministers defend the policy amid ongoing resits.
GCSE results across the UK show more students achieving top grades, with 22% securing A/7 or higher and regional disparities widening. While overall pass rates hold, the data highlight a north–south divide and ongoing gender trends. Governments pledge new routes and measures to boost opportunity.
Charter captain Damon Sacco and client Walter Chapman have landed what researchers say is the largest Atlantic blue marlin caught off the U.S. East Coast in recent memory, weighing 1,260 pounds and measuring over 11 feet. The fish was caught about 100 miles off Cape Cod at Atlantis Canyon and is just shy of the world record. The head will be sent to a university lab for aging.