Speculation is rife that the government’s preferred candidate for the post of director of fair access – Les Ebdon – has been blocked from the role by Conservative MPs after a delay in the announcement over the appointment.

The potential takeover of a private higher education college with degree-awarding powers has entered a crucial stage, with education giant Pearson reportedly the front-runner to secure the deal.

By Mitch Smith, for Inside Higher Ed

An independent inquiry has been launched to investigate postgraduate education.

The University of Essex has appointed a senior manager at Durham University as its new vice-chancellor.