News

High-street names cite cost as they exit apprenticeship training market

Several major retailers have turned their backs on delivering their own apprenticeship training, with one blaming the costs of…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

Independence questions as Williamson ally put forward for Ofqual job

Gavin Williamson has put forward his own policy adviser to be the next chief regulator of Ofqual, prompting warnings…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

HR T Level ‘ceased’

A new human resources T Level has been pulled from the flagship qualifications’ rollout after no awarding organisations could…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
Ofsted

New provider hits out at validity of Ofsted inspection done ‘on limited contact time’

A new apprenticeship provider has expressed its “frustrations” with the validity of an Ofsted report that now threatens its…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

DfE goes back out to advert for Skills Reform Board chair

The government is struggling to find candidates to chair a “key” new board that will oversee skills reforms. The…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

Sector leaders warn of ‘barmy’ delays to 16-18 traineeship expansion

Providers are being blocked from offering traineeships to 16- to 18-year-olds as the government drags its feet on a…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden


Ofsted

Education to ‘broaden minds’: Is Ofsted chief inspector singing a new tune?

The Ofsted chief inspector appears to have changed her view on using education to direct learners into work, after…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

£73m adult education budget tender outcomes delayed

[UPDATE: A day after this article was published the ESFA said the outcomes will now be communicated on Monday…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

First WorldSkills UK CPD event to feature in ‘Month of Learning’

WorldSkills UK has announced its first ever professional development event, with technical masterclasses, as part of a sector-wide ‘Month…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

First exam board confirms 42% discount on entry fees

WJEC Eduqas will discount exam entry fees by 42 per cent this summer – making it the first exam…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Bumper year as 102 winners scoop silver Pearson Teaching Awards for 2021

Inspirational teachers, leaders, support staff, schools and colleges from across the country have been honoured today for their outstanding…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Proposed new IfATE powers ‘strike the right balance’ with Ofqual, says Williamson

The education secretary has defended plans to hand new powers to the government’s apprenticeships quango, saying it will “strike…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon

Must read

Long read, Prison education

The prison that’s offering hope for a new life upon release

‘We’re saving people’s lives as well as turning them around’

Jessica Hill
Jessica Hill
Apprenticeships, Politics

Phillipson to exempt young people from level 7 apprenticeships funding axe

Education secretary makes ‘important concession’ amid backlash from other government departments

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
Colleges, FE Commissioner

Weston chair felt powerless over £2.5m payments to former principal

Ex-Weston college chair gives tell-all interview following FE Commissioner probe

Anviksha Patel
Anviksha Patel
Colleges

Weston College governance failure allowed ‘concealment’ of £2.5m payments to former principal

Paul Phillips was paid £1.8m in 2023, including a ‘significant’ six-figure retention payment which his COO son ‘resisted’ paying…

Anviksha Patel
Anviksha Patel
T Levels

NAO reveals enormity of T Level take-up failure

Forecasts missed by 75% and secret DfE estimates show staff and employer shortages could limit places to 48,000 students

Anviksha Patel
Anviksha Patel
Adult education, ITPs

Mayors dump adult education cuts on independent training providers

Up to two-thirds axed from devolved procured budgets

Josh Mellor
Josh Mellor