All secondary-age school pupils in year eight (aged 12 and 13) in England will be required by the government to take a reading test. The declared purpose is to help drive up reading standards so that “everyone can thrive”. Stephen Gorard, Professor in our School of Education, explores whether this additional test is a good idea.

Professor Justin Willis, in our Department of History, joins fellow researchers in looking at the life of prominent Kenyan politician Raila Amollo Odinga following his death. They say Odinga’s “absence will generate a political vacuum that other leaders will struggle to fill”.

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Dr Johny Daniel, Associate Professor in our School of Education, explores what the UK government could do to ensure that children with special educational needs receive the support they need in mainstream schools.

Dr Miguel de Lucas and his team has built a detailed cell‑by‑cell map showing how plants use post‑translational modifications, especially sumoylation, to detect and respond to stresses such as drought, salinity or pathogens.