FE Week Reporter | FE Week

Data Dashboard hailed a vital boost as preview reveals ‘education and employment’ link

Features of Ofsted’s new data dashboard have been leaked to FE Week, revealing a focus on English and maths up to level two, and data on local enterprise partnerships (Leps). The dashboard, which is due to launch on May 12, has been developed to allow leaders, governors, and members of the public, to access key […]

Part-time learner numbers show sharp decline

Further education leaders have called for action to stop a sharp decline in part-time higher education study after a report revealed the number of entrants fell by almost half in three years. Research conducted by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has shown that the number of part-time w and EU undergraduate entrants […]

Minister welcomes first new FE college for 20 years

The official incorporation of the first FE college in more than 20 years has been heralded by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock. Mr Hancock confirmed FE Week exclusives dating back to July last year when he announced on Wednesday (April 30) that Prospects College of Advanced Technology had officially been given permission to incorporate. The venture […]

Niace calls for apprentice charter in funding consultation response

The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (Niace) has called for the introduction of an apprentice charter and job outcome payments. In his response to the government’s consultation on apprenticeship funding reforms, Niace chief executive David Hughes (pictured) welcomed the government’s commitment to encouraging employer investment in apprenticeships, but said it needed to go further. […]

Second superbike racing season under way for student four years after landmine horror

Former Lance Corporal Murray Hambro lost both his legs below the knee in a landmine explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan in 2010, but last month the 34-year-old motorcycle maintenance and repair student started his second season racing in the Triumph Triple Challenge Racing superbike series, writes Paul Offord. Chichester College learner Murray Hambro is […]

Keith’s feeling animated thanks to makers of Wallace and Gromit

A Weston College graphic design degree student is feeling animated after working with the makers of Wallace and Gromit. Keith Kilpin, aged 24, initially completed two weeks’ work experience last summer with Bristol-based Aardman Animations, which makes the popular animated films using plasticine models and stop motion animation. He impressed them so much he was […]

Career prospects take off thanks to work experience

The career prospects of 12 level three travel and tourism students from City College Norwich took off after they spent three days working at an airport. The work experience at Norwich International Airport included helping with check-ins and boarding on the customer service and information desks. They also worked for the airport’s travel agency, Travel […]

Teenager impresses on TV hairdressing talent show

Exeter College level two hairdressing student Kobi Kirby was the youngest of eight contestants to take part in BBC Three show Hair — a competition to find the best young amateur hairdresser in the country. The 17-year-old made it all the way to the semi-finals and finished fourth overall — one place behind level two […]

Zombie video helps raise safety awareness for blood transfusions

Students at North Nottinghamshire College took inspiration from classic rock and horror films to help raise awareness among hospital staff about safety rules for blood transfusions. The group of 12 level three creative media production students created a video, which is now used as a training tool by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, […]