Students left in dark in hunt for university places

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily news briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Students left in dark in hunt for university places Thousands of students are [still in the dark]( over whether they can secure places on university courses in September, as institutions wait to receive their new teacher-predicted grades from Ucas, the admissions service. Education secretary Gavin Williamson has so far resisted pressure to resign as prospective students spoke of “shattered dreams” and lost years following the government’s U-turn on Monday. The reversal, which allowed students to apply with their original teacher-predicted grades, means many are now theoretically able to win places at their first-choice universities. The government’s decision to scrap Public Health England (PHE) as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage has [provoked criticism]( across the health sector. Matt Hancock announced on Tuesday that the body would be replaced by a new organisation, the National Institute for Health Protection (NIHP), headed by Baroness Dido Harding. PHE has been “found guilty without a trial”, Richard Murray, the chief executive of The King’s Fund think tank, said yesterday, adding: “It is unclear what problem the government is hoping to solve by carving up PHE and redistributing its responsibilities.” The health secretary has vowed that the NIHP will begin work with immediate effect and bring together PHE and NHS Test and Trace, as well as the analytical capability of the Joint Biosecurity Centre, under a single leadership team. In the US, Joe Biden was [officially anointed]( as the Democratic Party’s nominee for president at its virtual convention. The former vice president tweeted his acceptance, which he will codify in a Thursday night address, saying: "It is the honor of my life to accept the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the United States of America." The dramatic moment played out without the customary cheering crowd and packed arena. Instead, Mr Biden and his wife, former second lady Jill Biden, celebrated remotely with family members. Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider a [contribution]( or [subscription](. Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [Is the UK finally ready to blink in Brexit talks with the EU?]( [I'm an image]( [UK coronavirus infection study extended]( [I'm an image]( [Restrictions eased in Leicester as other regions mull lockdown return]( More news [Trump ‘infuriated’ by efforts to stop Russian meddling]( [Asteroid flies by Earth closer than any seen before, Nasa says]( [Neymar the star as PSG answer their Champions League critics]( [Child asylum seekers held at Border Force processing centre]( [Police officer removed from duties over ‘I’ll choke you out’ arrest]( //link.e.independent.co.uk/click/21245708.65210/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1lZGl0b3ItbmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249Y2hhbmdpbmctd29ybGQlN0MwNjIwLTA2MjAlN0Nwcm9zcGVjdGluZyZ1dG1fY29udGVudD1uZXdz/583d2887487ccd777a8b7489C18c32274 Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [Medicare for All activist says Trump is 'existential threat']( [I'm an image]( [Joe Biden officially nominated as Democratic presidential candidate]( [I'm an image]( [Trump lashes out after Clinton taunts president for Covid cases]( [I'm an image]( [Trump vows to put 'toll' on cars coming from Mexico to pay for wall]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.