News

‘Dear Santa…’ the sector’s Christmas wish list

With a general election, tightening funding and the ongoing apprenticeship reforms, next year looks set to be a turbulent…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
News

Cable concession on ‘two million’ apprentice claims

Government claims to have overseen the two millionth apprentice start have been met with caution after Business Secretary Vince…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

‘More complexity’ fears for AELP on careers plan

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has expressed “real concerns” about the government’s creation of a new company…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

‘Outstanding’ indie hosts lavish Lords awards event

Above, pictured from left: Professional cricketer Tom Poynton, Castus apprentice Laura Martin, aged 23, cricketer Wayne Madsen, Baroness Kennedy,…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Payment link to new outcome measures rejected

Skills Minister Nick Boles (pictured) has announced a second consultation on outcome-based success measures having all but ruled out…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Falling numbers and competition blamed as Totton seeks merger

A Hampshire sixth form college principal has blamed falling learner numbers and local competition for financial problems forcing it…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford


News

JCP traineeship ‘target’ after ‘concerns scheme extends benefit claims’

Job Centre Plus (JCP) staff have been set a “target” of 10,000 traineeship referrals amid concerns the youth unemployment…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Ofsted annual report presents mixed bag for FE and skills with growth in quality provision — but employer engagement remains an issue

Ofsted’s annual report today painted a mixed picture for FE and skills, highlighting a rise in the proportion of…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

‘Future-proof’ careers listed in new UKCES report

A new careers guidance report highlights today’s jobs that are set to stand the test of time and highlights…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Ofqual scraps QCF

Ofqual has confirmed it is to remove the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) rules. The decision was confirmed today…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Cable marks ‘two million’ apprentice starts

Business Secretary Vince Cable was at Abingdon and Witney College to mark the “two millionth” apprentice. He met 16-year-old…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
News

Thinktank calls for 14 to 19 review as it issues warning of ‘sleepwalking’ into RPA

A new report from a left-of-centre thinktank has warned the Coalition is “sleepwalking” into the raised participation age and…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter

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