Latest Opinion

Skills reform

Fake cards, real risks: building sites need digital skills passports

We shouldn’t be relying on plastic CSCS cards to stop corruption and ensure safety when a secure digital alternative…

Jessica Hill
Paul Devlin
NEETs

Milburn’s the man to make us think differently about NEETs

If Alan Milburn’s review into NEETs is to trigger lasting change, it must challenge the language, systems and silos…

Jessica Hill
Lee Elliot Major
Adult education

What Victorian philanthropists can teach today’s FE policymakers

The Victorians built an adult education model rooted in equality and civic renewal – in this fractured era their…

Jessica Hill
Tom Schuller
Lifelong Learning

We need a ‘UCAS for adults’ and the DWP can help develop it

A comprehensive national careers advice service, backed by skilled professionals, could do more for lifelong learning than any new…

Jessica Hill
Andy Forbes
16-19, Qualifications, Skills reform

We need to deliver a new V Level vision for Level 3

The new qualification family promises to simplify the post-16 landscape, but success will depend on how well we protect…

Jessica Hill
Lisa O’Loughlin and John Laramy
workforce shortages

Nuclear needs people power

With one in three workers nearing retirement and too few recruits in the pipeline, the nuclear industry’s biggest challenge…

Jessica Hill
Mark Rouse
SEND

Ofsted inclusion 2.0: Making space for learners without EHCPs

Ofsted’s new inclusion rules demand that every educator – not just SENCos – adapts learning in real time. It’s…

Jessica Hill
Chris Quickfall
The Staffroom – opinion

When flags divide instead of unite, FE must help rebuild belonging

As national identity becomes a battleground, FE must show what true unity looks like: diverse, empathetic and brave enough…

Jessica Hill
Haroon Bashir

From our partners

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A Decade of Impact: Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards Celebrate 10 Years of Inspiring Change at Landmark London Event

Friday 7th November 2025 – Over 700 guests gathered at the Hilton London Metropole for the 10th annual Multicultural…

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Pearson
Sponsored post

EPA reform: changes inevitable, but not unfamiliar

Change is coming and, as always with FE, it’s seemingly inevitable. I’ve spent over 20 years working in the sector….

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NCFE
Sponsored post

Funding Is Flowing, Demand Is Rising — It’s Time for FE to Deliver on Green Skills

As the UK races toward net zero, the government says it wants to back 2 million green jobs by…

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Sabre Rigs
Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK colleges, learners are already…

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Pearson
Sponsored post

Supporting the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan Through Skills

The UK Government’s Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain strategy sets a legally binding path towards a net-zero transport…

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Sabre Rigs
Sponsored post

Project power: ASDAN expands its qualifications portfolio

From 2026, ASDAN’s planned Foundation and Higher Project Qualifications will sit alongside its Extended Project Qualification[CM1] , creating a complete…

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ASDAN
ATAs

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, celebrating outstanding employers and providers with national recognition, a…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Sponsored post

Funding Adult Green Skills

New sources of funding are available to finance the delivery of green skills to all learners. Government policy is…

Tyler Palmer
Sabre Rigs

The latest sector transfers

Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 512

Leigh Mills Head of Skills, Employment and Education, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Start date: November 2025 Previous…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 511

Lucy Jeynes Chair. South and City College Birmingham Start date: October 2025 Previous Job: Vice Chair, South and City…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 510

Fliss Miller Director of Skills and Employment, East Midlands Combined County Authority Start date: September 2025 Previous Job: Director…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 509

Laura Woods Chair, Middlesbrough College Start date: August 2025 Previous job: Former Director of Academic Enterprise, Teesside University Interesting…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter

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