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Government lifts cap on veterinary science courses
"All students who achieved the required grades will be offered a place at their first choice university" - Michelle Donelan, universities minister.

Decision follows turnaround on A-Level results.

The Government has lifted the cap on university veterinary science courses after a turnaround on A-level results saw a higher number of students meeting the required grades.

Caps were also lifted on medicine, dentistry, and teaching courses after concerns were raised about the limited places for students whose results had increased.

In a press release, the Government said that extra funding would be provided to increase capacity in medical, nursing and STEM subjects. The decision comes after doctors and university vice-chancellors urged for the cap on student numbers in medical schools to be removed amid the results chaos.

On Monday (17 August), education secretary Gavin Williamson backtracked on the controversial algorithm that had been used to grade A-levels, announcing that all students in England would instead receive their predicted grades. Unfortunately, this decision came too late for students that had already selected their university course based on the initial grade.

The Government’s Higher Education Taskforce said on Wednesday (19 August) that if students have met the required grades, they will now be offered a place at their first choice university. If maximum capacity has been reached, however, then students may be required to defer their place to the following year. 

Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: ”This has been an incredibly difficult time for students and I want to reassure them that every effort is being made to make sure all those who planned to, can move on to higher education.

“I am delighted that the Government and the higher education sector have agreed that all students who achieved the required grades will be offered a place at their first choice university. I want universities to do all they can to take them on this year or offer alternative courses or deferred places where required.”

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.