News

FE chief at the exams regulator steps down as new wave of reform begins

The man in charge of Ofqual’s vocational arm, Jeremy Benson, has decided to leave the exams regulator after nearly…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Independent training provider rated ‘outstanding’ for work with NEET learners

A rapidly-expanding independent training provider has been praised for its work in improving the life chances of formerly NEET…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

New register of apprenticeship training providers: what do we know so far?

Today’s long-awaited release of proposals for widespread apprenticeship reform include plans for a new register of apprenticeship training providers. The…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

‘Highly unlikely’ levy system will work on day one, warns CBI

The apprenticeship levy is a “project timeline in trouble” the Confederation of British Industry has said, as the industry body reiterates…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Apprenticeship levy funding update: the sector reacts

The news that the majority of employers will only pay 10 per cent of apprenticeship training costs from April…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Hotly anticipated apprenticeship levy funding update released

Nearly all employers will only have to contribute 10 per cent to the cost of an apprenticeship from April 2017,…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford


News

FE students add to Team GB Olympic medal haul

As the curtain comes down on Rio 2016, FE students past and present have helped Team GB storm to…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

DfE to consult on banning apprenticeships at grade four colleges

More than ten colleges could be excluded from accessing apprenticeship funding because of their grade four Ofsted rating, FE…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
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

Must read

Colleges, Long read

Alun Francis, chair of the Social Mobility Commission

Deprived areas need vision – not victimhood – to level up, and Social Mobility Commission chair Alun Francis is…

Jessica Hill
Jessica Hill
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