Good morning, Wentyl.

Universities were busy congratulating themselves this week on the prestigious QS rankings, with results hailed as “historic” by one tertiary bigwig.

But behind the headlines one uncomfortable truth emerged: academics whose labour is the backbone of the sector are so unhappy only one in 20 would strongly recommend their job to others.

The University of Newcastle’s Dr Jess Harris surveyed 537 academics across 31 universities. Key concerns include workload pressures, burnout, job insecurity, limited career progression and bullying.

The university QS rankings don’t draw on domestic student satisfaction rates, and – judging by Dr Harris’ research – don’t capture the honest views of academics either.

One researcher told Dr Harris: “I have never experienced so much backstabbing like I have in academia”, while another described their workplace as a “sinking ship”; a third bluntly suggested prospective academics should “find something else”.

Many were scathing about their vice-chancellors, most of whom earn more than $1m a year. “The VC of my own university … is right now wantonly destroying the institution and with it hindering the academic careers of all staff,” said one long-term academic surveyed for the study.

It’s a fascinating and damning indictment of an industry costing federal taxpayers $30bn a year. Read our report here.

Abby, 16, Julia, 16, Charlotte, 16, and Ashley, 17, are part of the Gen Z cohort who say the idea of having kids one day is ... complicated. READ THE FULL STORY

In other terrific stories this week, young members of Gen Z revealed why they are choosing, in record numbers, not to have kids. Check out the story – the reason will surprise you.

We also examine whether dads get baby brain, reveal a NSW school ruling that students must be “biologically male” to attend, and find out what pushed a Victorian father whose son was being bullied to call in his lawyers. And lastly, we know how overwhelming it can be trying to find a good childcare centre, so we've mapped the best of the best, according to the official watchdog's quality standards.

Enjoy the rest of your week and don't be shy about getting in touch with your story tips and ideas at education@news.com.au