Education

Students Forced to Dip into Savings to Cover University Laundry Costs

According to a survey conducted by York Students’ Union, certain students are reportedly faced with the decision of either purchasing food or doing their laundry.

A recent claim by the University of York Students' Union suggests that the high cost of laundry services on campus is forcing students to make difficult choices between basic necessities like food and clean clothing.

Cathy is a disabled student. She is standing in front of the washing machines in a laundry room on campus at the University of York. Cathy is smiling and wearing a green checkered shirt alongside a green hat covering her curly hair. — Cathy said she spent up to £20 per week on doing her laundry at university

According to the union, students living in university-owned accommodation are charged £5.10 per load for washing and drying their clothes, a significant expense for many.

Sam Dickinson, the union's wellbeing officer, notes that this rate is substantially higher than what students pay at nearby York St John University, where the cost is £3 per load, and argues that affordable laundry services are essential for student well-being.

In response to these concerns, a University of York spokesperson emphasized the institution's commitment to providing affordable and high-quality laundry services to its students.

For students like Cathy Hamilton, a 20-year-old psychology student, the high laundry costs have a significant impact on their daily lives, with Hamilton spending £20 per week on laundry due to her obsessive compulsive disorder.

Hamilton recalls having to dip into her savings to cover the expense of doing her laundry, highlighting the financial strain that these costs can impose on students.

The high cost of laundry is a source of frustration for many students, who feel that the prices are excessive.

First-year history student Ellie May Quigley has tried to reduce her laundry expenses by doing fewer loads, but acknowledges that this is not a sustainable solution.

Ellie May is a first-year history student. In this image she is smiling in front of the washing machines in a laundry room on campus at the University of York. Ellie May is wearing a stripey red top and has straight brown hair with a fringe. — Ellie May Quigley said she re-wears her clothes as much as possible

As Quigley points out, laundry is a necessary expense, and students cannot avoid doing their washing altogether.

The alternative, she notes, is unacceptable, as students have a basic need to maintain personal hygiene.

To cut costs, Quigley has opted not to use the university's drying service, which costs £1.80 per cycle, and instead hangs her clothes to dry in her room.

This experience has left Quigley feeling like the university is prioritizing revenue over student needs.

Female students, in particular, may be disproportionately affected by high laundry costs, as they may need to do more laundry during their periods.

To better understand the issue, Dickinson conducted a survey of students at Russell Group universities across the UK, which informed a report on the cost of laundry services.

The findings suggest that high laundry prices at the University of York contribute to an already high cost of living for students in the city.

According to Dickinson, the high cost of laundry can have a profound impact on students' dignity and well-being, as some are forced to wear dirty clothes due to financial constraints.

The university's laundry costs are determined by a combination of a base rate set by the provider, Circuit Laundry, and an additional amount set by the university, Dickinson explains.

In contrast, York St John University, which uses a different provider, charges students only £3 per load for laundry.

For students like Erin Moore, a child nursing student, high laundry costs are a significant concern due to the additional laundry requirements of their course.

Erin is a second-year child nursing student. In this image she is smiling in front of the washing machines in a laundry room on campus at the University of York. Erin is wearing a grey top and has light brown hair. — Nursing student Erin Moore said she had to do additional laundry because of her uniform

Moore notes that nursing students are at a disadvantage due to the high costs, which are essential for their degree program.

As part of their course requirements, nursing students like Moore must wear uniforms, which need to be washed frequently, adding to their laundry expenses.

Moore feels that it is unfair that nursing students at York St John University do not face the same high laundry costs.

The cumulative effect of these expenses can be substantial, Moore notes.

High laundry prices, combined with the already high cost of living in the city, create significant financial pressure for students.

A University of York spokesperson acknowledges the financial challenges faced by students and recognizes the need to address these concerns.

The spokesperson notes that the current laundry rates are still lower than those of local commercial laundrettes and rank in the lower half of the 86 universities served by Circuit Laundry.

The university spokesperson also points out that the contract with Circuit Laundry was awarded through a process that involved the students' union and that laundry prices have only increased by 10p since 2019.

Circuit Laundry, the provider of laundry services to the university, works with over 90% of universities in the UK and sets prices on a site-by-site basis.

According to the company, the goal is to keep charges below those of nearby high street launderettes, which is why prices may vary across different locations.

This approach allows Circuit Laundry to provide affordable laundry services to students while also taking into account the unique needs and circumstances of each university.

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Education

National Student Pride Event to Cease After 21-Year Run

According to the organisers, a decline in sponsorship over the past few years has led to the decision to hold the final event this weekend.

A long-running annual event in London, designed to connect LGBTQ+ students with potential employers and provide networking opportunities, is coming to an end after 21 years due to a significant decline in corporate support.

A busy room can be seen with a career fair taking place. Students can be seen talking to businesses at each stand — The yearly festival includes a large careers fair, with influential speakers taking to the stage throughout

According to National Student Pride, a non-profit organization founded in 2005, its revenue has plummeted by approximately two-thirds over the past two years, primarily due to widespread reductions in corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) budgets.

The organization also attributed the decline in sponsors to its newly introduced "ethical sponsorship" policy, which led to the departure of certain sponsors due to their connections to the fossil fuel industry and Israel, following protests from LGBTQ+ groups.

The number of sponsors for the event has drastically decreased, from 24 in 2024 to just eight this year.

Tom Guy, one of the organization's original founders and current trustees, recalled that National Student Pride was established in response to a controversial talk at Oxford Brookes University, which was hosted by the university's Christian Union and sparked outrage due to its homophobic content.

Sir Ian McKellen sits in an armchair opposite broadcaster Evan Davis, and speaks to the crowd — Sir Ian McKellen, interviewed by Evan Davis, are some of the speakers who have been part of the event over the years

Guy explained that the organization's initial response was to create a positive and constructive alternative, focusing on promoting inclusivity and acceptance.

The first event featured a panel discussion that intentionally brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a vicar and a rabbi, to demonstrate that faith and LGBTQ+ identity are not mutually exclusive.

According to Guy, this founding principle of promoting openness and dialogue has guided National Student Pride's activities over the past 21 years.

Despite its growth into the UK's largest LGBTQ+ student event, Guy emphasized that the organization's continued operation relies heavily on corporate sponsorship, which is no longer a viable option.

In an interview with the BBC, Guy suggested that international politics may also be a contributing factor to the decline in corporate sponsorship, as companies reduce or eliminate their DEI budgets.

An aerial view inside Heaven Nightclub, where people can be seen dancing — The annual event also hosts evening parties in nearby venues, like Heaven nightclub

It was reported last year that US embassies in Europe had sent letters to EU-based corporations, instructing them to comply with the Trump administration's policies prohibiting DEI programming.

In response, law firm Clifford Chance advised companies to review their existing programs and prepare to demonstrate compliance with US civil rights laws and regulations.

Guy noted that not only have sponsors withdrawn their support, but fewer employers are also willing to participate in the event's career fair, which is a crucial component of the festival and a primary source of revenue.

The number of companies interested in participating in the careers event has decreased significantly, from 53 in 2024 to just 20 this year.

Guy observed that LGBTQ+ initiatives appear to be losing priority among corporations amidst the current geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability.

Although the event will be coming to an end, organizers confirmed that this year's festival, scheduled to take place at the University of Westminster, will still proceed as planned.

The event will conclude with a "Dragstravaganza finale" featuring guests Amanda and Jessie from The Traitors.

Education

Students Find Relief from Stress by Leaving Phones Behind During School Hours

Alderbrook School in Solihull has introduced a policy prohibiting smartphones, with certain students expressing support for the measure.

In response to growing pressure on the government to address the issue, a secondary school has implemented stricter rules governing students' access to smartphones.

Youssef stands in the school grounds, wearing his uniform which is a purple blazer and tie and a white shirt. He has brown hair and brown eyes and wears glasses and is smiling at the camera. — Year 8 student Youssef, says he is on his phone a lot less since handing it in at school

At Alderbrook School in Solihull, pupils in Years 7 and 8 are now required to store their devices in lockers at the start of the day, following a voluntary pilot program that began last year.

According to Head Teacher Tom Beveridge, the new policy has led to a decrease in online bullying incidents and improved student focus in class, as evidenced by anecdotal reports.

Beveridge is among the advocates calling for a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools and social media for individuals under 16, an issue currently being considered by the government as part of a UK-wide consultation.

Many students at Alderbrook are already experiencing the benefits of limited device access.

Year 8 student Youssef noted that securing his phone in a locker has alleviated concerns about potential theft, significantly reducing his stress levels.

Megan, a Year 7 student, reported a substantial decrease in screen time, from two hours daily to just 16 minutes, since participating in the phone storage program.

She added that this experience has also led to a decrease in her attachment to her device at home, as she no longer feels the need to constantly check it.

While the phone storage initiative has had a significant impact, its implementation does require a notable allocation of time during the school day.

Headteacher Tom Beveridge stands in front of Alderbrook School, a modern purple and white building can be see behind him. He is wearing a blue suit, white shirt and yellow tie. — Head teacher Tom Beveridge said since introducing the scheme a third of Year 7 and 8 students were choosing not to bring their phones into school at all

Each morning, students from Years 7 and 8 must queue to deposit their devices into secure storage lockers before classes commence.

A team of teachers oversees the lockers, ensuring they are safely stored until the end of the day, when the phones are returned to the students.

This process is one of the reasons Beveridge believes a government-mandated ban on smartphones in schools would be beneficial.

He stated that such a ban would "free up a huge amount of time" currently spent on implementing and enforcing phone policies, allowing school leaders to focus on other priorities.

Following an update to guidance by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson in January, which recommended that schools maintain a phone-free environment, momentum has been building in support of a ban, with the House of Lords recently backing the measure.

In addition to the restrictions on younger pupils, Alderbrook has also prohibited sixth-formers from using their smartphones during independent study periods.

Year 13 student Jasmine has blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a black blazer and white shirt and is smiling. She is standing in the sixth form corridor with some of the common rooms behind her. — Year 13 student Jasmine, said she supports a phone ban in schools because it results in students interacting and getting to know each other better

This decision was made after school administrators observed that many students were spending their study time scrolling through social media instead of focusing on their work.

According to Beveridge, removing this distraction has resulted in a more focused learning environment.

Year 13 student Breshna reported that, prior to the ban, she felt a constant urge to check her phone, but is now better able to concentrate on her A-Level studies.

Another sixth-form student, Jasmine, noted that the absence of phones has facilitated the development of stronger friendships among her peers.

While many students support the idea of a phone ban in schools, opinions are divided on the proposal for an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s.

Year 11 student Jamila stands in front of a multi-coloured mural. She has a headscarf on and wears the school's purple blazer over a white shirt. She has brown eyes and is smiling. — Year 11 pupil Jamila is among a number of students at the school trying out the app NOMO on her phone at home. It rewards those who reduce their screen time

Some students, such as Year 11 pupil Emilie, believe that social media can have positive effects when used responsibly, providing a means of self-expression and communication.

Jamila, another Year 11 student, suggested that implementing restrictions rather than a complete ban might be a more effective approach, as prohibitions can sometimes have unintended consequences.

As the government considers its next steps, Beveridge plans to maintain a strict stance on phone use within the school.

Beginning in September, Year 7 students will no longer be permitted to bring smartphones to school.

Beveridge announced that, going forward, any phones allowed in school will be limited to basic "brick" phones, with this policy set to be phased in across the school over the next few years.

Education

Schools advised to inform most parents if children express gender identity doubts

Educational administrators have expressed appreciation for the increased clarity provided on addressing a highly divisive matter that affects both students and parents.

New government guidelines for schools in England emphasize the importance of parental involvement in cases where a child is questioning their gender identity, stating that parents should be included in the "vast majority" of such situations.

A parent kneels in a modern kitchen, holding and comforting a school‑aged child who is wearing a uniform and a large backpack, as they share a close and supportive moment.

The guidelines, which are legally binding for all schools in England, also clarify that single-sex facilities, including toilets, changing rooms, and sports teams, will remain protected, with no exceptions allowed.

However, schools are given some flexibility in addressing issues related to students' names and uniforms, allowing for a more nuanced approach to these matters.

Dr. Hilary Cass, the author of the influential Cass Review, has expressed support for the new guidelines, describing them as "a significant step forward" in addressing the needs of students and schools.

The Cass Review, published in 2024, was commissioned by NHS England in response to a surge in referrals for individuals questioning their gender identity, and its findings have informed the development of the new guidelines.

The review highlighted the limited evidence available on medical interventions for gender care, noting that the current research is "remarkably weak" and that more studies are needed to inform best practices.

Dr. Cass has praised the new guidelines for providing "practical and clear guidance" that reflects the recommendations of her review, enabling schools to support students with confidence and clarity.

A key aspect of the guidelines is the distinction they make between a student's wishes and their best interests, recognizing that these may not always align.

Schools are advised to exercise caution when considering social transition steps, such as changing a student's name or pronouns, and to consider the broader context and potential need for additional support.

The guidelines also acknowledge that while some students may explore different gender identities, the majority do not go on to fully transition as adults, and that this should be taken into account when supporting students.

For primary schools, the guidelines suggest that full social transitions will be rare, and that a more measured approach is typically more appropriate.

According to Dr. Cass, the guidelines convey a clear message that proceeding with social transition will be the exception rather than the rule, and that a more cautious approach is often warranted.

Dr. Cass has emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication between parents and students, noting that secrets can be detrimental to a child's well-being and that parental involvement is crucial.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has welcomed the new guidelines, stating that they will provide "practical support" for teachers, reassurance for parents, and prioritize the safety and well-being of students.

The guidelines do not alter the existing admissions code for single-sex schools, which currently allows them to admit students based on their biological sex.

The updated guidance is part of a broader effort to keep students safe, and includes new advice on supporting students who are questioning their gender identity.

This update was first promised in 2018, but its release has been delayed until now, leaving head teachers to navigate this complex issue without clear guidance.

The delay has resulted in head teachers seeking external advice and implementing their own measures, such as introducing gender-neutral facilities, to address the needs of their students.

Some schools have also sought legal advice to ensure they are meeting their obligations and providing appropriate support for students.

The updated guidelines have been widely welcomed by head teachers' unions, who have expressed relief that clear guidance is now available.

Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has praised schools for their efforts in addressing this issue despite the challenges posed by a "polarized public debate".

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, has noted that the guidelines will provide much-needed clarity on how schools can support students and manage this sensitive issue.

The previous government had released draft guidance in December 2023, which took a more restrictive approach to certain issues, including the use of alternative pronouns in primary schools.

However, the consultation on this draft guidance was interrupted by the general election in May 2024, which led to a change in government and a revised approach to the issue.

A new consultation on the updated guidance will be held over the next 10 weeks, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback and input on the new guidelines.