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Engineering dropout rate hits one-third
More than one in three engineering undergraduates drops out, says a report published today by the Engineering Employers Federation and the Engineering and Marine Training Authority. The report blames low A-level entry grades and the fact that many engineering courses must recruit through clearing because of low demand from students.

OU courses tackle maths teacher shortages
The Open University will run two new courses in maths teaching in a bid to ease teacher shortages in the subject. The courses will help teachers with no specialist maths knowledge to take maths classes. Teacher shortages mean that growing numbers of pupils aged 11-14 are being taught by non-specialist maths teachers.

Pearson quits e-university project
Pearson Education has confirmed that it is no longer in the running to become a joint-venture partner in the e-university. However, it remains interested in collaborating on content development and marketing. A joint-venture partner is expected to be announced next week, with the BBC joining the project shortly afterwards.