We fact check and explain issues about schools, teacher shortages, childcare, universities, and qualifications.
Education
A since-corrected article in The Spectator about pupil absence contained a number of inaccurate figures. Read
Education
The figure, which appeared in a column published in The Times, seems to be based on government data showing the number of children who missed at least half their school sessions last autumn term. Read
Education
Annual spending on school rebuilding in England fell by 41% between 2019-20 and 2021-22—but that figure doesn’t tell the whole story. Read
The Prime Minister suggested that Keir Starmer didn’t mention RAAC in a recent speech on education. Read
Education
We’ve looked into the data after a series of claims regarding pupil absence rates in England were made on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Read
Reform UK politician Alex Phillips claimed international students don’t have to pass an English proficiency test, but many are required to take one. Read
Education
Labour MP Ian Mearns told us his claim was based on a Sky News report which said around 140,000 were “never in class”. But that’s not what the data shows, and both have corrected their claims. Read
Education
Bob Seely MP made the claim during a debate in parliament. Read
Education
The government’s announcement that there are a record number of teachers is missing important context. Read
Education
A figure quoted in the Sun by Baroness Karren Brady is the number of pupils who missed at least 50% of sessions last summer, not the number who’ve disappeared completely. Read
Fact checking claims made by politicians, public figures and viral online content can give you the full picture backed by the evidence.
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