Editor's note

University rankings can be highly influential. But while university leaders and policy shapers often excitedly await the results of the various yearly league tables, how much do they actually matter to students? Emma Winter’s research shows when it comes to choosing a university, there’s no substitute for personal experience – with many students making their decision after a visit or open day. She explains how it’s the social encounters that matter most to prospective students.

And what exactly are rankings measuring? Miguel Antonio Lim believes that most should come with a consumer warning. He explains how university rankings differ and which ones are likely to be most helpful to students.

Last week also saw hundreds of headteachers marching on Downing Street. Headteachers are not normally seen as a militant group, but as Chris Rolph explains, many school leaders now feel compelled to take drastic action over the issue of school funding.

Across The Conversation’s global network, you will find education articles outlining issues and shaping agendas in different parts of the world. See below for some of the most recent.

Holly Squire

Commissioning Editor

Open days are the main way students choose their future university. shutterstock

Forget university rankings, open days are the biggest factor in student choice

Emma Winter, University of Portsmouth

When it comes to choosing a university, a positive personal experience is much more influential for students than rankings or league tables.

What university rankings can tell us. Pexels

University rankings: how do they compare and what do they mean for students?

Miguel Antonio Lim, University of Manchester

University leadership and policy wonks excitedly await the results of yearly university rankings, but do they actually matter to students?

Headteachers have been campaigning for years to get improved real terms funding, but matters are not improving. Shutterstock

Headteachers march: the school funding protests explained

Chris Rolph, Nottingham Trent University

Why are headteachers from across the country protesting at Westminster?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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