SOLOMON HUGHES highlights a 1995 Sunday Times story about the disappearance of ‘defecting Iraqi nuclear scientist.’ Even though the story was debunked, it was widely repeated across the mainstream press, creating the false – and deadly – narrative of Iraqi WMD that eventually led to war
Take a stand against the rigged system
ROBERT POOLE looks at the state of education in 2022 and concludes that it is time for workers to take action against the unfair advantages of the rich and powerful

OVER the weekend it emerged that private schools, not content with the advantages already gained by smaller class sizes and access to the technology and facilities afforded by fees, endowments and tax breaks, “gamed” Covid rules to give their pupils more top A-levels.
Schools “at least doubled the proportion of A*s handed out to their A-level pupils last year compared with 2019,” according to research done by The Times.
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson took to Twitter to play pin the blame on the Tories: “The Tories’ chaotic failure to prepare saw grades soar in top private schools.”
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The NEU’s annual conference promises heated debate, with motions on international politics, curriculum reform and union amalgamation likely to provoke strong reactions and challenge the status quo, writes Education for Tomorrow editor ROBERT POOLE

The series unveils uncomfortable truths about youth alienation and online radicalisation — but the real crisis lies in austerity and the absence of class consciousness in addressing young people’s disillusionment, says teacher ROBERT POOLE

From colonialism to the Troubles, the story of England’s first colony is one of exploitation, resistance, and solidarity — and one we should fight to ensure is told, writes teacher ROBERT POOLE

As the government moves to rein in academy freedoms, former darling of conservative education reform Katharine Birbalsingh cries ‘Marxism.’ Education columnist ROBERT POOLE examines how academisation has failed our children while enriching executives and empowering ideologues at the expense of democratic accountability
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As the government moves to rein in academy freedoms, former darling of conservative education reform Katharine Birbalsingh cries ‘Marxism.’ Education columnist ROBERT POOLE examines how academisation has failed our children while enriching executives and empowering ideologues at the expense of democratic accountability

Auntie’s offices are still packed to the rafters with private school-educated appointees, says STEPHEN ARNELL

ROBERT POOLE dissects Labour’s plans around education