FE Week Reporter | FE Week

English college launches Saudi training bases

The Lincoln College Group officially opened two technical and vocational training colleges in Saudi Arabia. Separate colleges for male and female learners first opened to staff and students in the town of Layla in September. However, the official opening ceremony, which was attended by senior staff from Lincoln College and Saudi officials, including Ministry of […]

Kick-off for college’s first women’s football team

Women’s football has got off to a winning start at Walsall College after their first ladies team hit the top of the table. The college’s sports tutors had been keen on starting the team for a number of years but there were never enough students interested in playing. They finally launched a team this academic […]

DfE ‘loses last line of defence’ for refusing VAT exemption to sixth form colleges

The Department for Education (DfE) has “lost its last line of defence” in dismissing sixth form colleges’ pleas to be exempt from VAT with a policy change on academy borrowing, it has been claimed. While all providers receive the same funding per learner for those aged 16 to 19, the government has previously said sixth […]

DfE head defends non-enforcement policy after grilling from MPs on raised participation age

A senior civil servant has defended a government policy not to enforce the raising of the participation age during a grilling from MPs. Since September 2013, it has been a legal requirement for young people to remain in education, employment or training until the end of the year in which they turn 17. The age […]

Skills Minister approves Bicton College merger following FE Commissioner advice

Skills Minister Nick Boles has approved plans for Devon-based Bicton College to merge with the Cornwall College Group (TCCG), FE Week can reveal. FE Commissioner Dr David Collins inspected the specialist land-based college in March after the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) raised concern about its “financial health”. He concluded Bicton, which was rated as ‘good’ […]

Providers and employers invited to enter apprentices for 2015 Brathay Challenge

Employers and training providers have been invited to enter their apprentice teams for the 2015 Brathay Challenge — a gruelling annual test of mental and physical stamina. The competition, now in its fourth year, tests teambuilding, leadership, fundraising, logistical and communications skills through a series of work-related challenges. Regional heats will be held from January […]

Investigation call over 16 to 19 safeguarding failure

A Midland council looks set to investigate a local 16 to 19 provider after Ofsted inspectors found it was failing to safeguard learners. The chair of Worcestershire County Council’s Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Lynne Duffy, (pictured) told FE Week she would be calling for a probe after Beacon Employment was hit […]

Merger murmurs after Lauener gets SFA role

The future of the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has been brought into question with Education Funding Agency (EFA) chief Peter Lauener taking on the running of both bodies in a move hailed by sector leaders as heralding a more “joined-up” approach. Current EFA chief executive Mr Lauener replaces SFA interim boss Keith Smith from today, […]

FE loans blamed for “collapse” in number of older people on level three and four courses

Urgent government action is required after FE loans caused a “collapse” in the number of older people taking level three and four courses, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (Niace) has claimed. Latest figures released this week by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) showed there were 15,330 applications in September for […]