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28 April 2026

Author: FE Week Reporter

Scores of colleges ‘interested’ in career college opportunities

More than 40 colleges have expressed an interest in opening a Career College since proposals for the new form of 14 to 19 education institutions were put forward in October, FE Week can reveal. Career Colleges Trust chief executive Ruth Gilbert (pictured) said she had been approached by colleges and also employers about setting up […]

Two providers keep EFA contracts despite grade 4s

Two out of eight providers hit with an Ofsted grade four rating since February last year have been allowed to keep their Education Funding Agency (EFA) contracts, the Department for Education (DfE) has revealed. It said the two that kept their contracts were given a chance to work with civil servants to improve performance. The […]

Mandy juggles ceramics with TV debut

Having been picked from thousands of applicants to appear on Channel Four show Monty Don’s Real Craft, it’s clear there’s something special about 53-year-old Mandy Dodd. And despite her constant battle with multiple sclerosis, the Bracknell and Wokingham College A-level ceramics student is also aiming for top grades this summer, writes Christy Cooney. Coursework commitments […]

Wizard performance with make-up and nail art

Students from Stoke-on-Trent College enjoyed success at the Midlands regional finals of WorldSkills UK. The level three make-up and nail treatment learners competed in a range of categories covering make-up, nail art, and aromatherapy, securing eight top three finishes. Student Kimberley Birch, who came third in the advanced nail art category with a design inspired […]

Budding brickie is regional winner

Warwickshire College student has won the West Midlands regional Guild of Bricklayers junior competition. Level two brickwork student Max Thompson, aged 18, who is an apprentice at NH Construction in Rugby, and won the event after five hours of brickwork tests, judged by industry professionals. He said: “There were around 20 competitors, so I was […]

Students given £3,000 for computer repair centre

Enterprising North Nottinghamshire College students have launched an on-campus computer repair centre. The level three ICT students secured £3,000 worth of funding from the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs to set up and run the centre. Student Damian Korcz said: “Working in the IT repair centre has given me the confidence to potentially […]