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School absence a big factor in child mental illness in England, data shows | School attendance and absence

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School absences “significantly contribute” to children’s mental ill health, according to research backed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that shows the risks increase the longer a child is absent.

“Our research shows that the more times a child is absent from school, the greater the probability that they will experience mental ill health,” the authors, from Loughborough University and the ONS, concluded.

The study, involving more than 1 million school-age children in England, found the relationship between absence and mental health was “a two-way street”, with lengthy absences increasing the likelihood of later hospital treatment. It also found children with existing mental health problems took more time off school.

Experts called for further research to find out what initially causes the poor attendance, with secondary schools in England recording persistently high rates of absence since the Covid pandemic of 2020-21.

Louise Vesely-Shore of the ONS said: “This work suggests that absence from school can have a detrimental effect on some young people’s mental health. We also found that young people with mental health issues had a higher level of absence from school.

“But for students with mental ill health who received additional support at school, such as education, health and care plans, free school meals and Send support, the increase in absence was lessened.

“More work is needed to understand this better, but clearly schools can play a vital role in supporting some students with mental health conditions.”

One of the study’s main findings was the proportion of hospital visits related to mental ill health rose more rapidly among children who were the most persistently absent.

While fewer than two in every 100 children and young people with full school attendance made hospital visits for mental health difficulties, the rate was nearly four in 100 among those absent for more than 20% of the time, and more than five in 100 among those with a 30% absence rate.

The impact of each increase in absence was found to be worse for girls than for boys, while children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) almost doubled their probability of mental ill health for every 1% increase in absence when compared with their peers without special needs.

However, the effect of mental ill health on school attendance was slightly improved for children with certain forms of Send support, while those receiving support for moderate or severe learning difficulties, or speech, language and communication needs, had better levels of attendance.

While the research looked at family circumstances and other contributing factors, it did not distinguish between reasons for absence, such as illness or bullying, that could be contributing factors.

The researchers examined the school records and census data of 1.1 million children in England aged five- to 16 and living at home with two parents.

Dr Simona Rasciute of Loughborough University, who led the analysis for the ONS, said: “This is the first large-scale data-linkage initiative in England to connect children’s education and health records with both of their parents’ health records and socioeconomic characteristics, alongside household and neighbourhood factors.

“This innovative work has allowed us to uncover new insights into the drivers of the children and young people’s mental health crisis in England.”

The Department for Education says getting more pupils attending school regularly is a “top priority” for the government. In 2023-24, one in five pupils in England were classed as “persistently absent” after missing 10% or more school lessons.



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Universities of Greenwich and Kent to merge

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The University of Greenwich and and the University of Kent have announced a merger under the proposed name of London and South East University Group, from 2026.

While both institutions will retain their individual identities, much of the professional services and operational cost base will be merged as one institution. This will include retaining just one vice chancellor.

The universities are keen to stress that new and existing students will not be impacted and will be able to study and graduate with the institution they selected.

The move is being reported as the creation of a new ‘super-university’ that stretches all the way from the University of Kent’s campus in Canterbury to central London. Currently both universities share facilities at the Medway campus in Gillingham.

The merger will create a combined capacity of more than 47,000 students, making it one of the UK’s largest institutions, and has been welcomed by both the Office for Students and the Department for Education as an “innovative approach”.

Georgina Randsley de Moura, acting vice chancellor and president at the University of Kent commented: “It’s no secret that the sector’s got significant financial challenges and there’s been a lot of discussion in the sector over the last year about how we need to self-solve for that.

When asked about job losses, the acting VC said: “The reality is, and it’s the elephant in the room, that all universities have had to restructure. What this does is it gives us a real opportunity to say, what could a bigger structure look line.”

More than 40% of the British higher education sector is believed to be in financial deficit with continued job losses evident across the sector.

Jacqui Jenkins, director of networks and engagement at The PIE, who recently joined from The British Council, reacted to the news saying “It’s been evident over the last few years that competing wasn’t really helping either institution; it makes total sense for these two universities to collaborate.

“As this report suggests, instead of undercutting each other, [the universities] may pool recruitment strengths to attract both domestic and international students under a regional umbrella. Domestically, these two universities have long competed for the so-called commuter student, and internationally, I suspect this newly formed multi-university group could be one of the world’s biggest financial, tech, legal, and cultural hubs.” 

The UK government has yet to announce plans for higher education reform, but has reiterated the intention to impose a 6% levy on international student income.

The first of its kind, the creation of a multi-university group between the universities of Kent and Greenwich could now be viewed as a template to safeguard against financial risk, whilst leveraging the combined strengths of institutions to create ‘super-university’ structure.

The PIE News will continue to follow this story.



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Kent and Greenwich universities to merge in attempt to improve financial viability | Higher education

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The universities of Kent and Greenwich are set to merge in an attempt to improve their financial viability against a backdrop of economic turmoil across higher education in the UK.

Under the proposed name of London and South East University Group, the single institution will have one vice-chancellor from the academic year starting in autumn 2026. The two universities combined will have 28,000 first degree undergraduates, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

The universities said the combined institution would provide a stronger financial foundation to overcome the economic challenges facing universities now and in the future.

The Office for Students (OfS), England’s higher education regulator,welcomed the move and suggested that more universities may explore similar options as their income has fallen for the third year in a row.

This is due to falls in international students after immigration and visa changes as well as the declining real-terms value of the tuition fee paid by UK students, with the result that 40% of English universities are now believed to be in financial deficit.

The Department for Education (DfE) said ministers “welcome innovative approaches such as this one”.

The vice-chancellors of both universities told the BBC that the move was not a takeover by either institution, although they added that the new university model would be “resilient and financially viable”.

The new university will operate across the existing campuses, including in Medway, where students from both Greenwich and Kent already share the library and other facilities.

Kent has one other campus, in Canterbury, about 48km from Medway, while Greenwich has two other campuses, one on the banks of the River Thames in Greenwich – itself about 45km from Medway – and the other in Avery Hill, south-east London, about 38km away.

Many institutions have been trying to repair budget deficits by slashing building and maintenance spending as well as cutting courses and staff, with the sector expected to sell off more than £400m worth of land and property this year.

Prof Georgina Randsley de Moura will remain the interim leader of Kent until the merger, when Prof Jane Harrington, who runs Greenwich, will become the vice-chancellor of the new institution.

Prof Randsley de Moura said the “trailblazing model” would enable the universities within the new group to retain their name, identity and campuses.

Students will be unaffected by the change, with applications continuing as normal to each institution and degrees awarded in the name of Kent or Greenwich.

Prof Harrington said the universities had worked together on the Medway campus for 20 years and now wanted to contribute more to the economy across London and the south-east.

She added that students would “absolutely categorically” be able to complete any course they are already enrolled on, including those starting university this autumn.

The universities said there are no immediate plans for job losses. Prof Harrington said that costs would be saved by reducing senior roles.

In May, Greenwich confirmed it was cutting the equivalent of 15 full-time posts by August. Kent has already started winding down some courses to reduce costs after posting a deficit for another year in 2024.

Across England, job losses at many institutions over the last couple of years have been mounting, with the University and College Union (UCU) estimating the overall number of posts cut at about 5,000.

Mergers were previously rare but have now become more common, with City St George’s created from two separate University of London universities last year, although most others have involved smaller or specialist institutions.

The OfS chair, Edward Peck, said: “The OfS’s financial sustainability analysis has starkly demonstrated the challenges facing the sector. More universities taking steps to ensure their long-term financial future will likely explore the possibility of working more closely with partners, up to and including mergers. While the OfS will consider any regulatory decisions in this case carefully and on their merits, these initial proposals are to be welcomed.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “This collaboration shows how strong partnerships in higher education can help enable delivery of world-class teaching and research while maintaining the best interests of students.

“Through our Plan for Change we are committed to fixing the foundations of higher education, and we will soon publish our plans for HE reform as part of the post-16 education and skills strategy white paper.”



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AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market Set

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AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market

InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the “Global AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market – (By Type (Machine Learning Algorithms, Natural Language Processing (NLP) Systems, Expert Systems, Computer Vision Applications, Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), Adaptive Learning Platforms), By Application (Adaptive Content Delivery, Personalized Learning Paths, Individualized Assessment and Feedback, Intelligent Content Creation, Smart Content Recommendations, Personalized Learning Analytics, Student Progress Monitoring), By Educational Level (K-12 Education, Higher Education (Colleges and Universities), Corporate Training and Professional Development, Language Learning, Skill-based Learning), By End-User (Students/Learners, Teachers/Educators, Administrators/Schools and Institutions, Corporations and Enterprises, Language Learning Institutions)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2034.”

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market is valued at USD 6.5 Bn in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 208.2 Bn by the year 2034, with a CAGR of 41.4% during the forecast period of 2025-2034.

Get Free Access to Demo Report, Excel Pivot and ToC: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2692

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into personalized learning and educational technology, driving a transformative shift in traditional teaching methodologies. AI-powered personalized learning leverages data-driven algorithms to evaluate various aspects of student performance, learning preferences, and progression, enabling the creation of customized curricula and targeted interventions. This approach allows educators to develop adaptive learning pathways that align with each student’s unique strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a more engaging and effective educational experience.

Effective learner segmentation is critical to the successful deployment of AI in personalized education. By classifying students based on attributes such as learning styles, academic performance, and areas of interest, educators can deliver tailored content and interventions that address specific learning needs. This individualized approach enhances engagement and supports deeper comprehension of complex concepts, thereby contributing to improved learning outcomes.

AI systems can analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns and trends, facilitating the development of precise segmentation strategies. Machine learning models further augment this capability by integrating data from multiple sources-including assessments, quizzes, and peer interactions-providing a holistic understanding of each student’s learning trajectory.

List of Prominent Players in the AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market:

• Coursera

• Duolingo

• Khan Academy

• IBM Watson Education

• Blackboard

• Cognii

• Knewton

• Pearson

• Squirrel Al Learning

• Content Technologies, Inc.

• Third Space Learning

• ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces)

Expert Knowledge, Just a Click Away: https://calendly.com/insightaceanalytic/30min?month=2025-03

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

The rising demand for personalized learning experiences tailored to students’ diverse needs and learning paces is a key driver of the AI in education market. AI-powered platforms, including adaptive learning systems, enable the analysis of student data to deliver customized educational content, thereby enhancing overall learning outcomes. The rapid expansion of remote and hybrid learning models has further accelerated AI adoption by facilitating more interactive and efficient virtual classrooms.

Widespread access to digital devices and reliable internet connectivity supports the seamless integration of AI solutions into educational environments. Additionally, the growing emphasis on data-driven insights to inform instructional strategies and policy-making contributes to market growth, as AI provides actionable analytics and feedback to educators and administrators.

Challenges:

The AI in education market faces several challenges, including concerns around data privacy and security, particularly the protection of sensitive student information. Integrating AI solutions with existing educational infrastructure can be complex, which may impede smooth adoption. High implementation and maintenance costs can limit deployment, especially for institutions with constrained budgets.

Other barriers include the lack of standardized curricula, insufficient educator training, and the digital divide, which results in unequal access to technology. Ethical considerations, such as algorithmic bias and AI-driven decision-making, also require careful management to ensure equitable learning outcomes.

Regional Trends:

North America is expected to lead the global AI in personalized learning market, driven by advanced technological infrastructure, substantial investment in educational technology, and widespread adoption of AI-enabled solutions across K-12 and higher education. Europe is projected to capture a significant market share, supported by progressive educational reforms, increased funding for edtech initiatives, and a strong focus on personalized learning to enhance student performance.

Collaborative efforts between educational institutions and technology providers in Europe are further fostering innovation in AI-based solutions, enabling tailored learning experiences that address diverse student needs and improve engagement.

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Recent Developments:

• In May 2024, Khan Academy and Microsoft collaborated to enhance the availability of AI tools that customized instruction and facilitated enjoyable learning experiences. Microsoft provided Khan Academy with free access to the pilot of Khanmigo for Teachers by donating access to Azure AI-optimized infrastructure, allowing all K-12 educators in the U.S. to benefit from this service at no cost. Consequently, Khanmigo for Teachers is currently being operated by Azure OpenAI Service.

• In Jan 2024, Coursera has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities to cater to the requirements of learners in India. There are currently more than 4,000 courses offered in the Hindi language. Furthermore, Coursera has revealed its acquisition of new industry and campus clients, as educational institutions throughout India have enthusiastically adopted online learning to provide their employees and students with essential digital competencies.

Segmentation of AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market-

AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market By Type:

• Machine Learning Algorithms

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) Systems

• Expert Systems

• Computer Vision Applications

• Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS)

• Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs)

• Adaptive Learning Platforms

AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market By Application:

• Adaptive Content Delivery

• Personalized Learning Paths

• Individualized Assessment and Feedback

• Intelligent Content Creation

• Smart Content Recommendations

• Personalized Learning Analytics

• Student Progress Monitoring

AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market By Educational Level:

• K-12 Education

• Higher Education (Colleges and Universities)

• Corporate Training and Professional Development

• Language Learning

• Skill-based Learning

AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market By End-User:

• Students/Learners

• Teachers/Educators

• Administrators/Schools and Institutions

• Corporations and Enterprises

• Language Learning Institutions

AI in Personalized Learning and Education Technology Market By Region-

North America-

• The US

• Canada

• Mexico

Europe-

• Germany

• The UK

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

• China

• Japan

• India

• South Korea

• South East Asia

• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

• GCC Countries

• South Africa

• Rest of Middle East and Africa

Read Overview Report- https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/ai-in-personalized-learning-and-education-technology-market/2692

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Contact us:

InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd.

Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com

Tel : +1 607 400-7072

Asia: +91 79 72967118

info@insightaceanalytic.com

This release was published on openPR.



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