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Reports that students from China and other Asian countries are using fake English-language certificates to try to enroll in overseas universities. Issuance of forged English competency certificates through the British Council's International English Language Testing System (IELTS); Cost of fake certificates.

Reveals that Scotland has failed to produce a coherent plan on lifelong learning. Comments from Association of University Teachers Scotland (AUTS); Assessment of the AUTS on the government policy in education.

The article focuses on Simon Burgess, professor of economics at Bristol University and director of the Centre for Market and Public Organisation. He presented the findings of research on the economics of parental choice to the Prime Minister's Strategy unit the day before the British government published its White Paper on education. He reacted to the White paper saying that he wants to see more emphasis being placed on support for poorer families to make choices.

Discusses "Top of the Class: Benchmarking Scottish Higher Education," a report released by the Universities Scotland about the quality of research programs of Scottish universities. Costs of Scottish research papers; Number of times academic papers by Scottish researchers are cited by other researchers; Comparison with research programs from other countries.

Presents information as it relates to a green paper on education proposed by David Blankest, Britain's education secretary. What the green paper entails; Reference to criticisms made regarding the green paper proposal; Views of persons involved in the education sector on the proposal.

The article emphasizes the author's call for the need to stop pointless extracurricular activities that academics engage in for the sake of their curriculum vitae. Unsolicited call for papers disturb academics. The author says that meaningless activities and pointless initiatives have perpetuated in higher education. These, according to the author, are waste of energy.

Reports on responses to the "green paper" on the Oxford University in England's academic strategy. Plans by John Hood, vice-chancellor, to revitalize the university; Findings of an international benchmarking exercise by consultants, McKinsey.

Reports on the British government's White Paper on the comprehensive package of reforms proposed by Mike Tomlinson. Changes proposed by Tomlinson in the educational system.

Comments on the excessive bureaucracy in the operations of the British Higher Education Funding Council. Background on the council's task of dispensing public funds to colleges and universities; Mechanisms employed by the council to ensure accountability and value for money, including a large amount of paper work and documentation; Recommendations for better regulation and reduced bureaucracy.

Reports that music professors in British universities have launched a campaign to clarify copyright rules they claim hamper research and withhold the publication of books and papers. Challenges faced by academics in seeking permission from copyright holders; Percentage of music that can be reproduced for educational purposes.

Reports on the proposals by the Scottish Parliament's enterprise and culture committee for universities and colleges in Scotland. Impact of the higher education white paper; Position of the committee on the introduction of the top-up fees; Investment for higher education; Campaign for an increase in university funding.

Reports on Italian rectors' appeal to the government for more resources. Publication of the white paper 'On the State of Italian Universities: The Charter of Rights and Duties in the Year of Change'; Dropout rate among Italian students.

Deals with the decision of Northern Ireland Further and Higher Education Minister Sean Farren to review the student finance as its executive and assembly faced suspension. Role of the officials at Great Britain's Department of Higher Education and Further Education Training and Employment in the review; Date of the publication of Farren's consultation paper on student finance; Goal of the review according to Farren.

Reports on the plans of Graham Lane, chairman of the Local Government Association's education committee to revise the blueprint for post-16 education. Disadvantages of the proposed system according to Lane; Features of the blue print for post-16 education as set out in the white paper `Learning to Succeed.'

Reports that the European Commission (EC) should investigate streamlining its funding to promote research into education and training, according to Euro MP Sue Waddington. Findings in the EC's White Paper `Towards a Learning Society'; Making lifelong training a reality; Role of information technology in education.

Focuses on the need for education and training as information technology becomes more prevalent in our society. Standards of qualification within Europe's education system; Renewal of skills; Use of computer skills; Emphasis placed on the White Paper in education.

Reports on the reaction of historians to the White Paper on open government. Victory in the battle to get access to key documents in modern British history; Release of documents whenever possible; Right of appeal to a committee headed by the Lord Chancellor; Problems in finding enough civil servants to review documents for release.

Reports on the criticism of German student bodies towards educational reforms proposed by federal and state governments. Condemnation of professorial staff's contributions to a stagnation in course reforms; Policy paper by student groups; Plans by politicians.

Reports on the impact of the increase tuition fees on British underprivileged students. Concerns on the proposed fees; Life-long Learning white paper basis of the increase; Composition of the decision-making body.