News

Principal predicts college numbers will fall to 200 by 2018

One college principal expects the number of colleges in England to drop by a third over the next two…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Alternative providers needed for thousands of learners after funding pulled from charity’s ‘inadequate’ training wing

The government is looking for alternative “quality providers” for up to 3,500 post-16 learners after it pulled the plug…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Bankrupt founder of Elmfield could face charges

Criminal charges could be brought against the founder of a controversial former apprenticeship provider, who has been disqualified from…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Promote FE loans yourself, BIS tells providers

The responsibility for telling learners about new FE loans will lie with providers after the government admitted it had…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Numbers falling, closing down – University technology College revolution fails to deliver

When the Tories launched their manifesto in April last year at a University Technical College, they promised to create…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Government silent as one in three traineeship providers fail to achieve good or better

As restrictions are lifted on delivering traineeships, with the government claiming excellent results mean they are no longer needed,…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford


News

Alix Robertson meets Jeremy Corbyn: ‘I am concerned about the quality of certain apprenticeships’

After giving a speech to a packed room at the University and College Union (UCU) conference ‘Education from Cradle…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

UCU #cradletograve conference – what the FE delegates had to say

At today’s University and College Union conference on ‘Education from Cradle to Grave’, FE Week spoke to some of…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

FE colleges ‘crucial’ and need to be protected from ‘cuts and attacks’, says Corbyn

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn  called for a greater focus on lifelong learning, such as the provision offered by many…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Exclusive: National Audit Office to examine provider topslicing scandal

The National Audit Office has said it will “look into” the issue of lead providers skimming outrageous management fees…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

BIS accused of FE brain drain over Sheffield office axe plans

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has been accused of launching an FE “brain drain” through the…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Independent training providers to compete for funding after EU law change

Independent training providers (ITPs) will have to compete for Skills Funding Agency (SFA) contracts following changes to European Union…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford

Must 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
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