Tutors Directory takes a look at some of the current issues in education from a variety of sources

Thousands of children starting primary school this year will fail to gain a place in their chosen school. Research carried out by The Times across 179 local authorities indicates that up to 19,000 children will go to a school that they have not chosen and this is attributed to the twin effects of population boom and the recession.

In a separate survey of 36 local authorities the paper reveals that more than 100 schools do not currently have a headteacher and that nationally that figure could be as much as 527.

Another featured report is on the improvement in maths GCSE results for boys, which points out that this year’s results mark the first occasion since 1997 that boys have had better results in the subject than girls. The improvement is attributed to the fact that coursework in maths has fallen away allowing boys, with their traditionally more competitive nature, to focus more fully on exams.

A study by the National Housing Federation and the National Association of Small Schools indicates that as many as 200 rural schools may close by 2014. The survey highlights the fact that between 2004 and 2008, 62 rural primary schools were closed making this the highest instance of closures since the 1990s.

The Independent looks at how the revolution in schools meals, first kick-started by Jamie Oliver’s TV show, will reach its conclusion this week. From Septembersecondary schools in the UK will have to follow strict new rules on the type of food served to students.

The government’s controversial new diploma courses which are aimed at providing students with a vocational education foundation come under the spotlight in The Guardian. Researchers at the University of Reading have found that the diplomas do not immediately appeal to teenagers and are perceived as being too narrowly focused on specific jobs.

And in more positive news, the paper reports that millions of students and recent graduates will have the cost of their student loan dropped to zero or lower as the effect of the fall in retail price index kicks in. Those that took out loans after 1998 will see their interest rate set at 0 per cent.

Other top stories include a report quoting Steve Dayman of the charity Meningitis UK warning GPs and parents not to confuse the symptoms of swine flu and Meningitis at the start of the new school term.

The BBC website reports on an increase in the number of vocational courses offered to students in the UK, the number increasing from five to ten. New courses, which the government hopes to make as important as GCSE levels, include environmental studies, catering and hospitality, finance, business administration, and hair and beauty.

In a recent interview acclaimed children’s author Michael Morpurgo tells The Telegraph that more needs to be done to help struggling readers achieve success and that more children of all ages need to be encouraged to read.

Former education minister George Walden has written a damning article that claims that the lack of selective state schools is harming the future career choices of our children. Mr Walden also writes of his dismay at attempts to reform the education system and his disappointment in the current GCSE system. (The Telegraph)

The paper rounds off its coverage with a story covering proposed plans by the government to revive technical schools for pupils aged 14 to 19. If plans go ahead these will be the first new technical schools established since the 1950s and subjects would include GCSEs in traditional subjects such as maths, English and history alongside more practical courses such as engineering.