News

‘There’s more than one way to be a gen sec’: New UCU boss up for the challenge

The new University and College Union boss has backed herself to successfully lead the organisation despite never having run…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

Colleges fail to win any OfS mental health funding

All three college bids for a £6 million fund to help reduce student mental health problems have been rejected….

Jessica Fino
Jessica Fino
News

Queen’s birthday honours 2019: Who got what in FE and skills?

Eight leading figures from the further education sector have been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours. These include five…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon
News

Ofsted watch: Airports apprenticeship provider slammed by Ofsted – again

A new apprenticeship provider that was suspended from recruiting learners last year has been rated ‘inadequate’ in its first…

Jessica Fino
Jessica Fino
News

Is the Prime Minister planning farewell budget hike for FE?

Theresa May is pushing to announce a huge programme of investment to overhaul schools and colleges in England before…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Struggling national college seeks partners in order to survive

A national college is seeking partner organisations after struggling to recruit learners and scraping through 2017-18 with a government…

Fraser Whieldon
Fraser Whieldon


News

Four-letter verdict on colossal European Social Fund blunder

In what one ESFA official is alleged to have called a “f*ck up of epic proportions”, all 80 training…

Jessica Fino
Jessica Fino
News

College accused of ‘everyday racism’ after sacking lecturer

The new Universities and College Union general secretary has accused the leadership at Sandwell College of “everyday racism” after…

Jessica Fino
Jessica Fino
News

Over 1,300 apprentices left without any provider, 7 months after 3aaa collapse

Nearly one-third of the apprentices who were training with disgraced apprenticeship firm Aspire Achieve Advance had still not been…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Growth Company denies conflict of interest in European Social Fund tender

A provider with directors on the board of a local enterprise partnership has refuted conflict of interest allegations after…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

OfS to inspect quality of unregulated apprentices despite Augar recommendation

The government has already rejected one recommendation put forward by the Augar Review – by giving the Office for…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

FE Week wins loan law battle

Victims of a long-running FE loans scandal are set to benefit from new legislation that gives the education secretary…

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