News

David Hughes: let’s present a confident and ambitious AoC regions front for colleges

Ahead of David’s first three-day AoC annual conference as chief executive, we discuss the area reviews, our ministers and…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Employers pass their judgement in satisfaction ratings

General FE colleges have admitted to apprenticeship failings, after government research showed they are significantly less popular with employers…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

New destination data for unemployed learners

The colleges that are most successful at helping unemployed learners move into work have been named, in the latest…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

AoC and AELP bosses battle over independent provider quality

The bosses of FE’s two biggest associations have traded verbal blows over the quality of apprenticeships that are delivered…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
News

Government meddling blamed for 2 year apprenticeship delays

Government meddling has meant that students didn’t start on some apprenticeship standards for two years after they were launched….

Paul Offord
Paul Offord
News

College sector ignoring minister’s cash warning as private providers clean up

Colleges have failed to take up the apprenticeships challenge laid down a year ago by former skills minister Nick…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford


News

Move away from 3m apprenticeship target to avoid ‘wasting £500 million’ says influential think tank

The government should “move away” from its target for three million apprenticeships, to avoid wasting £500 million a year…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Influential think tank calls for college-only route to replace the level 2 apprenticeship

Left-wing think tank IPPR wants the government to phase out level two apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds, and replace…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Education secretary commits to focusing ‘much more’ on FE

A firm commitment has been made by education secretary Justine Greening to “focus much more” on FE. She made…

Paul Offord
Paul Offord
News

Carmichael backs more FE investment as he rejects new grammars

New grammar schools have been rejected by influential education select committee chair Neil Carmichael, who called instead for more…

Paul Offord
Paul Offord
News

Outstanding Ofsted for Fashion Retail Academy

A glowing ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report has been published today on independent training provider the Fashion Retail Academy. Inspectors returned…

Paul Offord
Paul Offord
News

Ofqual opens malpractice investigation following apprentice complaint

Allegations of malpractice lodged by a former apprentice of Highbury College are being investigated by Ofqual, an FE Week…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson

Must read

Colleges, Long read

Inside FE’s lifeline for under-16s: Stepping in where schools fail

More and more anxious 14-16 year olds not in school are starting afresh in colleges, but they are under-recognised,…

Jessica Hill
Jessica Hill
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
Young people

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
News

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