HARLOW MP Chris Vince rose on the floor of the House of Commons to tell ministers that local residents have “completely lost faith in the special educational needs system. Mr Vince said: “I note that the Minister has not been to Harlow yet. [Laughter.] Families…

THE government will consult on whether social media should be banned for under-16s in the UK report the BBC. It said “immediate action” would give Ofsted the power to check policies on phone use when it inspects schools, and it expected schools to be “phone-free…

ACL Essex is supporting its communities with mental health courses to help boost wellbeing.  The learning provider is promoting free mental health courses, available to residents across Essex, to combat winter blues. Blue Monday (19 January) is meant to be the most depressing day of…

THE president of Memorial University is staying tight-lipped on her plans for its Harlow Campus, but says “conversations and contemplations” are ongoing reports vocm.com Yesterday, Janet Morrison made several changes to her staff, nearly a fraction of what it needs to do to become fiscally…

A FORMER St Mark’s student has made history by scoring in the FA Cup on Saturday. Ryan McAidoo, who is aged just seventeen, was making his debut for Manchester City in their Third Round FA Cup tie against Exeter City. City ended up 10-1 winners,…

THE ever-popular Winter Reading Challenge returns to Essex to inspire everyone to get reading this winter. The campaign runs from 10 January to 22 February 2026 and invites readers of all ages to cosy up with a good book through the colder months.  The six-week…

A TEACHING union is calling for the Government to ban social media for under-16s to improve concentration at school and stem damage to mental health. Teachers’ union NASUWT wants the Government to bring in legislation that would make big tech platforms prevent children from accessing…

ST MARK’S Year 7 made it through to the last sixteen of the Essex Cup but only after a dramatic penalty shoot out. St Mark’s were a goal behind against a strong Roding Valley High until Michael produced a superb late strike to take the…

ACL Essex is strengthening its digital offer to communities across the county. The learning provider is growing its IT support to help adults build digital confidence, switch careers or manage everyday tasks online. ACL Essex delivers a wide range of courses such as basic digital…

MUMS of special needs children in Essex claim they are being left behind while waiting months for an assessment. Essex County Council has been battling to improve the service from its position as the worst in the country when just one per cent of assessments…

AS student finance maintenance payments are due to be paid in January, the Student Loans Company (SLC) is reminding students to remain vigilant of scams designed to steal personal and financial information. January marks the second maintenance loan instalment for many students whose courses started…

A MEMBER of the Harlow Fields Parent Teachers Association (PTA) is taking on a January challenge. We will let Claire Wren describe her challenge. “Our PTA is committed to working with the school to improve the lives of the pupils. We raise funds to support…

THE adult education provider offers online fast-track GCSEs in English, maths and biology. Learners have the chance to gain these qualifications in just six months, instead of a year. The courses will start in January 2026 allowing people to take GCSE exams in June 2026. The…

OVER two hundred students and staff from Stewards Academy enjoyed a fabulous trip to The Playhouse to see Sleeping Beauty on the 11th December.  Before departing school and travelling to the theatre, students had a talk about expectations and theatre etiquette before being organised into…