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28 April 2026

Author: FE Week Reporter

IfL hits back at ‘lack of rank-and-file consultation’ claim on ETF transfer vote

The Institute for Learning (IfL) has hit back at criticisms it failed to consult rank-and-file members over the decision to close and transfer assets to the Education and Training Foundation (ETF). A number of IfL members complained that they were not involved in the decision, which was made by a vote of the membership body’s advisory […]

Sixth form colleges facing closer financial scrutiny during ‘challenging’ year

Sixth form college finances will come under a closer watch from the Education Funding Agency (EFA) as “the financial climate gets tougher,” the Sixth Form College Commissioner Peter Mucklow (pictured) has told principals and governors. In a letter to sixth form colleges (pictured below right), Mr Mucklow said a “challenging” year lay ahead for the sector and that  it […]

Lowestoft College’s ‘on leave’ principal to step down after critical report

Lowestoft College principal Simon Summers (pictured) is to step down — just a fortnight after it was revealed he took a leave of absence with a report having said his grade three college was not improving fast enough. Vice principal for curriculum and standards Phillip Belden and vice principal for corporate services Teresa Miller both also took […]

ETF seeks to answer IfL membership concerns after transfer vote green light

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) said it was still working out the details of a move to take on members of the Institute for Learning (IfL) after the transfer was approved last night. The IfL’s 33,500 members look set to join the ETF after the vote in favour of closure. The IfL advisory council […]

College’s pre-summer break job cuts announcement branded ‘cynical’ by UCU

Bosses at a college in the North East have come under fire from the University and College Union (UCU) for the “cynical” timing — just before the summer holidays — of a job cuts announcement. The UCU said that 119 staff at County Durham’s Stockton Riverside College were at risk amid plans to make lecturers reapply for their jobs at […]

IfL council votes in favour of closing and takeover by ETF

The Institute for Learning (IfL) is to close and will be taken over by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF). The move follows a vote this afternoon by the IFL’s advisory council on whether to disband and pass its legacy and assets to the ETF through a deed of gift. The process is expected to be completed […]

Gazelle’s ‘supportive’ report from the ETF to remain private

An allegedly “supportive” report by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) on Gazelle will not be made public with both organisations refusing to release the document. The existence of a report by the ETF on Gazelle’s leadership development programme came to light in an expert piece written for FE Week by Gazelle Colleges Group chair Stella Mbubaegbu, who is […]