Decisions about higher education require professional advice

Getting poor careers advice and ending up on the wrong course can cost a student dear. A new certificate aims to give those who advise on higher education the professional skills they need. Schools' and colleges' careers information and advice "too often lacks dedicated professionalised staff", said a report published in July by a cross-party panel chaired by the former cabinet minister Alan Milburn. The report, Fair Access to the Professions, recommended schools and colleges have direct responsibility for providing career advice and that the school inspectorate, Ofsted, be given new powers to ensure it is of a high quality... read more

Guardian, January 10