A cyber-attack on the UK's Department for Education (DfE) and Police National Legal Database (PNLD) has exposed over 740,000 pieces of data, including personal details of officials, educators, police officers, and members of the public. Hackers, identifying as ExfilSquad, are demanding payment in exchange for not releasing all stolen data.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson vowed to implement new child safeguarding measures by March 2026, following the horrific abuse and murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey by his adoptive father. The case highlighted significant failings, prompting calls for multi-agency child protection teams nationwide.
Gyeongbuk Education Superintendent Lim Jong-sik, re-elected for a third term, outlined plans to bridge the 'AI gap' and enhance the 'mental health of the educational community' over the next four years, emphasizing the importance of humanistic education in the AI era.
Re-elected Chungbuk Education Superintendent Yoon Kun-young pledged to make the next four years a time for Chungbuk education to leap forward, emphasizing inclusive education for all children and fostering future competencies.
Lim Jong-sik, re-elected as Gyeongbuk Superintendent of Education for a third term, pledged to complete a warmer Gyeongbuk education that fosters students' dreams. He emphasized reducing the AI gap, focusing on students' mental health, and restoring teachers' rights.
Former UK ministers Tony Blair, Alan Milburn, and Rishi Sunak criticize the education system for failing to prepare students for life, emphasizing the need for financial literacy and practical skills.
Jeonbuk Education Superintendent candidate Lee Nam-ho unveiled pledges to vitalize school sports, including a '1 School 1 Sport' initiative, 'Moving School' program, and 'Open Gymnasium' project, alongside improving conditions for sports instructors.
Jeonbuk Education Superintendent candidate Cheon Ho-seong announced an anti-corruption pledge on the 22nd, centered on establishing a special inspection committee. The committee will be an independent body with external experts to strictly inspect officials for violations of ethics laws.
Suella Braverman, former Tory home secretary now Reform UK's education spokesperson, has defended Nigel Farage's decision not to declare a £5m donation from Christopher Harborne, saying it was a 'private' matter due to security concerns. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Farage as 'not down to earth' for receiving such a large gift. The comments come as Labour faces potential losses of up to 1,850 seats in English local elections next week, with party figures acknowledging Starmer must listen to voters.
Khaled Sharif, a 21-year-old graduate who spent nearly £100,000 on his UK education, has applied to 500 jobs without securing a single offer. Graduating top of his class in digital media technology from Kingston University in 2025, he believes the graduate job market is oversaturated due to companies hiring less, post-pandemic uncertainty, and AI tools. Despite holding UK residency through his mother and not requiring work sponsorship, he says recruiters may assume he needs sponsorship due to his Qatar education history. He now works as a freelance videographer and has launched a clothing label called Zoqué.
The UK government has committed to imposing age or functionality restrictions on social media for children under 16, following a standoff with the House of Lords over the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Education Minister Olivia Bailey confirmed the legal commitment while MPs backed the motion 272-64. The bill returns to the Lords for final consideration before royal assent, with regulations expected within 12 months and potentially before year-end.
