News

Independent learning provider criticises Ofsted for ‘inappropriate’ timing

The chief executive of a charity and independent learning provider focused on helping people with disabilities has declared the…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

College principal to keep job despite Ofsted ‘inadequate’ grade

A principal will keep his job despite his college dropping two Ofsted grades to inadequate. The education watchdog’s verdict…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Schools careers advice added to skills minister brief

Careers advice in schools has been added to the skills minister brief, as part of the machinery of government…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Delayed apprenticeship levy details finally due this week

Long-awaited information on the apprenticeship levy is finally due to be released this Friday, after a series of delays….

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Student protestors celebrate after performing arts courses saved

Performing arts students who took to the streets to save their courses are celebrating after college leaders decided against…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

College Twitter rap for touting on neighbour’s turf

They may say at Tesco that “every little helps” — but Bromley College faced criticism that it had overstepped…

Paul Offord
Paul Offord


News

Government upheavals undermining planning for next academic year

Hold-ups to key FE announcements and reports caused by recent government upheavals are undermining planning for next academic year,…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Ofsted tightens up inspection regime as college mergers rocket

The inspection regime is being tightened up by Ofsted to keep track on rocketing numbers of college mergers. Ofsted…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Three new college merger plans unveiled as eight partnerships finalised

A four-way college link-up is one of three new major merger plans to have been unveiled— as eight partnerships involving…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Plaque unveiled in memory of former principal Peter Roberts CBE

Friends and colleagues of former Leeds City College and Stockport College principal Peter Roberts CBE came together for the…

Paul Offord
Paul Offord
News

Levy update could be on hold until September

Updated guidance on the apprenticeship levy which was due out in June may now be postponed until September, FE Week understands….

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Who or what is the PRAt at the SFA?

After the turmoil of recent months 2016’s silly season has finally rolled around, heralded by the Skills Funding Agency’s (SFA)…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson

Must read

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
Bootcamps, Skills bootcamps

Coding firm caught charging students for free bootcamps

Ed tech provider ‘regretful’ after complaints and promises full refunds as bosses try to sue DfE over non-payments

Billy Camden
Billy Camden and Frances Read
Apprenticeships

Entrepreneur chased for millions after apprenticeship collapse

ESFA uncovers ‘fake’ taxi apprentices as liquidator reveals intercompany payments days after firm decided to shut

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
Adult education

Fury as DfE cuts adult education budgets

Combined authorities told to expect reductions in ‘already deeply diminished’ adult skills funding

Shane Chowen
Shane Chowen