The Education Secretary has given in to mounting criticism and reversed his plans to scrap GCSEs. Unions have welcomed his change of heart. Michael Gove admitted that his plans to replace GCSEs with an EBacc Certificate was ‘one reform too many at this time’, The Independent reports. Although he had previously condemned GCSEs, they will now be retained, but will be reformed to restore confidence in them.

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It’s been a busy month, and with the media bursting with education news, we take our regular look at stories making the headlines around the world. From moves to increase the length of the school day, high-tech ways to stop smart phone exam cheats and a teacher who found he was a billionaire, see what’s got people talking. Join in and share your views.

Complaints over cougar mascots

Corner Canyon High School in Utah, USA, has ditched its ‘Cougar’ mascot name after receiving complaints from parents, says CNN. A vote by pupils had given the school mascot the name of Corner Canyon Cougars, but some parents thought this was ‘derogatory’ as the word is now used to refer to older women who date younger men.

Massage start to the day causes controversy

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