News

Scrapping of QCF ‘small but not insignificant step for mankind’, Ofqual boss tells MPs

The unpicking of the qualifications and credit framework (QCF) was a “small but not insignificant step for mankind”, Ofqual…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
News

Esol funding cuts protest rally draws hundreds from across FE

Staff and students from across the FE sector gathered outside the Houses of Parliament in their hundreds today to…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Unison FE members ‘overwhelmingly’ reject AoC pay freeze proposal

Further education sector members of Unison have “overwhelmingly” voted to reject an Association of Colleges (AoC) pay freeze recommendation…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson
News

Five ‘no confidence’ votes principal steps down

A Midland college principal hit with five votes of no confidence by staff has stepped down. Beverley Smith has…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Growth in 25+ apprenticeship starts as older learner numbers return to pre-FE loan levels

The proportion of 25+ apprenticeships has gone back up to levels last seen before the failed 24+ apprentice loans…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Apprenticeships quality to come under the House of Lords spotlight

Apprenticeships will this week come under the spotlight in a House of Lords debate focussing on the quality and…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke


News

Public Accounts Committee to look at FE ‘financial meltdown’

Concerns the FE sector is heading for “financial meltdown” are set to be investigated by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Two official apprenticeship vacancy websites still live — months after one was due to close

Two official apprenticeship vacancy websites are still running five months after one of them was said to be closing…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

FE Commissioner ends work at ‘back on track’ Barnfield and Weymouth

Further Education Commissioner Dr David Collins will be stepping back from involvement at previously troubled Barnfield College and Weymouth…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

‘It’s about finding the right measures of quality’ — City & Guilds Industry Skills Board panel on how to make apprenticeships work

A panel of five representatives from industry and trade unions was drawn together by City & Guilds to discuss…

Jude Burke
Jude Burke
News

Trust launches 16 new tech-based projects to help boost digital learning in FE

The University for Industry (Ufi) Trust has officially launched 16 tech-based projects that it hopes will revolutionise digital learning…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Legal seal of approval granted for FE chartered status body

Chartered status for colleges and training providers in the FE sector has moved an important step closer after the…

Alix Robertson
Alix Robertson

Must read

Awarding

Earpiece exam cheat ring jailed over construction test fraud

Men trained candidates to hide devices and exploit access arrangements to pass mandatory safety tests

Josh Mellor
Josh Mellor
Adult education, Apprenticeships, Skills reform

Apprenticeships purge: Team leader and chartered manager among 16 axed standards

Ministers also unveil the first 7 apprenticeship units

Shane Chowen
Shane Chowen
Colleges, Politics

Joe Docherty: Labour peer quit college role over ‘inappropriate conduct’

The former education executive has been suspended by the party weeks after being sent to the House of Lords…

Jessica Hill
Jessica Hill and Gabriel Pogrund
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