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Presents an update on issues related to education in Great Britain for the year 2004. Facts about the key stage 3 English tests; Observation on learning culture in schools; Information on the launching of the National Union of Teacher's policy statement, Bringing Down the Barriers.

Looks at various issues and events related to the British educational system published in several periodicals as of February 21, 2003. School branded as the worst in Great Britain; Performance of the General Teaching Council (GTC) in England and how it dealt with disciplining teachers; Role of GTC.

Discusses the warning issued by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) that trust schools could undermine the balanced way in which sensitive issues are taught in schools in Great Britain. Views of Steve Sinnot, NUT General Secretary on trust schools; Need for parents and the country at large to have confidence in schools; Disadvantage of the fragmentation of the education service.

Reports on the inaugural professorial lecture given by Professor Berry Mayall of the Social Science Research Unit of the British Institute of Education at the Institute on October 15, 2003. Significance of adult-centered schools; Her argument against the New Labour policies on children and childhood; Examples of socially useful and necessary activities of children.

The article offers education-related news briefs compiled from different magazines in Great Britain. German families are turning to Great Britain's best public schools to provide their children well-rounded, disciplined education. The Scottish ministers are accused of reneging their election promise to reduce secondary class size in an attempt to improve standards of numeracy and literacy. The Muslim Council of Britain has urged state schools to avoid sex education classes and swimming lessons during Ramadan.

The article reports on the statement of the government of Great Britain regarding school uniforms. The government, in a consultation document, has indicated that school uniforms must be affordable. It also emphasized the right of schools to refuse to allow pupils who wear non-uniform items. John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, is pleased with the support of the government to school leaders in upholding school uniforms.

The article focuses on several reports published by Great Britain's Department for Education & Skills. It includes "Further Education: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances - The Implications for Race Equality," "Children Missing Education: Experiences of Implementing the DfES Guidelines" and "Investigating the Effective Use of Resources in Secondary Schools."

Discusses some elements in the Education Bill announced by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain in 2005. Comment on the streamlining of educational governing bodies; Effect of allowing primary schools to become foundation schools; Importance of encouraging new providers into the educational system.

Reports on the criticisms by the House of Commons Select Committee on Education and Skills of Great Britain on the education policies of the British government. Concerns raised by the committee regarding policies on diversity and choice; Opposition of the committee to the use of national targets as a school improvement tool.