Important links

1. For general information about education in England: DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES (DCSF)DCSF is responsible for improving the focus on all aspects of policy affecting children and young people, as part of the Government's aim to deliver educational excellence. DEPARTMENT FOR INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS (DIUS) DIUS is responsible for delivering the Government's long-term vision to make Britain one of the best places in the world for science, research and innovation. TEACHERNET General guidance for UK teachers and useful background information. BRITISH COUNCIL Useful background information about education in the UK. 2. For information about curricula, testing and examinations: THE QUALIFICATIONS AND CURRICULUM AUTHORITY Information about the national curriculum NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AGENCY Website for specific information about testing and qualifications. LEARNING AND TEACHING SCOTLAND Teaching and learning and the curriculum in Scotland SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY The website of the Scottish Qualifications Authority WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT (DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION, LIFELONG LEARNING AND SKILLS) For information about the curriculum in Wales COUNCIL FOR THE CURRICULUM, EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT The website of the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment 3. For information about school inspections: OFFICE FOR STANDARDS IN EDUCATION (OFSTED) The inspection of schools in England is undertaken by Ofsted, a non-ministerial government department. The different countries of the UK have their own inspection bodies: In Scotland: HER MAJESTY'S INSPECTORATE OF EDUCATION (HMIE) HMIE's principal activity is to promote sustainable improvements in standards, quality and achievements for all learners in a Scottish education through first-hand independent evaluation. In Wales: HER MAJESTY'S INSPECTORATE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING (ESTYN) Estyn is the office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales. In Northern Ireland: The Education and Training Inspectorate THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND is responsible for the central administration of all aspects of education and related services in Northern Ireland - excepting the higher and further education sectors. 4. Others: BBC EDUCATION NEWS An informative site that covers all aspects of education news in the UK, updated every day. BRITISH EDUCATION COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY (BECTA) BECTA is the UK Government agency leading on the use of ICT in education. HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND (HEFCE) HEFCE is responsible for distributing public funding for higher education teaching and research in universities and colleges in England. It is also the lead body for higher education policy development. RESEARCH ASSESSMENT EXERCISEThe 2001 results and all the policy background information to this important exercise, with over£800 million allocated to universities on a competitive basis. DIRECT.GOV.UKDirect.gov.uk is the single point of online access for general information offered by the governmental organisations.