News

Tripling traineeships: Tender to launch next week as clock ticks on £111m boost

A hotly-anticipated application process to widen the provider-base for 19 to 24 traineeships will finally be launched next week….

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Will England take inspiration from Germany’s chambers of commerce?

The government’s forthcoming FE white paper could hand the British Chambers of Commerce key influencing powers over funding and…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

Apprentices stuck in limbo as Covid hits functional skills tests

Thousands of apprentices are “stuck in limbo” as awarding bodies struggle to adapt their functional skills assessments in the…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Education secretary makes ‘guarantee’ T Levels will be ‘available’ to adults in future

T Levels will be an option for adults of any age to study as part of the government’s new…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Unions call for substantial college staff pay increase following £400m boost

Trade unions have called for a “significant” pay rise for college staff this year, after the government pumped an extra…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

‘Outstanding’ providers set for Ofsted inspections next year – but may face 6-year wait

‘Outstanding’ schools, colleges and training providers are set to be inspected again when Ofsted inspections resume next year –…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden


News

ESFA refuses to rule out funding clawback for ‘under delivery’

Controversial plans to clawback some of this year’s unspent adult education budget grant funding are back on the cards,…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Prime minister Boris Johnson’s speech on adult skills: The full text

There are many reasons to – for me I should say – to come here to Exeter College –…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Who is the first chair of the skills and productivity board?

An executive vice president at international broadcaster Sky has been appointed as chair of the Department for Education’s new…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

WorldSkills UK LIVE back for 2020 with online event

Plans to replace this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE with a virtual event, including talks from the likes of Great…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

PM to announce major ‘expansion’ in FE funding for adults

Adults over the age of 23 in England without a full level 3 qualification will be offered one for…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Confirmed: DfE sets out plan for Ofsted to take on degree apprenticeships

Ofsted will be handed powers to inspect level 6 and 7 apprenticeships from 1 April 2021, education secretary Gavin…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden

Must read

Colleges, Long read

Legrave’s last orders: build cash, challenge leaders and don’t ignore teaching

In her final interview, the outgoing FE Commissioner warns colleges not to mistake funding rises for financial safety

Shane Chowen
Shane Chowen
16-19

Curriculum review: ‘Strengthen’ resit accountability and reduce T Level assessment burden

Review recommends already-announced V Levels, level 2 pathways and new pre-GCSE English and maths quals

Anviksha Patel
Anviksha Patel
News

Case dismissed: Marples loses High Court claim against DfE

A judge has dismissed a multi-million-pound claim brought by former training boss Peter Marples and his family against the…

Shane Chowen
Shane Chowen
Skills reform

New law to bar ‘unsuitable’ FE leaders among skills white paper reforms

The government’s post-16 strategy has finally been unveiled

Billy Camden
Billy Camden and Shane Chowen
Qualifications

Revealed: V Levels incoming as axe looms for BTECs

New qualifications set to launch as ‘third route’ between A-levels and T Levels

Shane Chowen
Shane Chowen
Politics, Skills reform

DWP will take over apprenticeships, minister confirms

Shifting adult skills and apprenticeships policy will give “bigger emphasis on skills”, Jacqui Smith claims

Anviksha Patel
Anviksha Patel