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26 April 2026

Author: FE Week Reporter

New Ofsted FE case studies highlight quality teaching and learning

Ofsted and the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) have teamed up to share examples of good practice in vocational teaching and learning with a new set of case studies. Ten best practice examples, in which workplace-relevant skills were key, were released today having been handpicked by a panel of experts, including members from the Commission on Adult […]

Securing education for young offenders — learning first, detention second

The education of young offenders looks set to improve drastically with the government’s announcement of Secure Colleges, where the current average of 12 hours a-week learning will double. Toni Fazaeli explains how it might affect FE staff and providers. We welcome the government’s recent proposals to refocus the culture of youth custody from detention to […]

Keeping the pressure on homophobia in a time of funding constraints

Pressure group Stonewall’s annual list of the top 100 lesbian, gay and bisexual-friendly employers included just three FE and skills-related institutions. Wanda Wyporska looks at what the sector can do, and is doing, to stamp out homophobia. When austerity bites, equalities work is often seen as a luxury, and certainly cuts to the FE sector […]

No letting up on England’s poor adult literacy and numeracy

Adult literacy and numeracy levels in England came out badly under the scrutiny of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A parliamentary inquiry was therefore a must, says David Hughes. I am very pleased that the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee is to hold an inquiry into adult literacy […]

Jane Overbury, principal, Christ the King Sixth Form College

Dr Jane Overbury says it is “genuinely a surprise” to find herself principal of Inner London’s Christ the King Sixth Form College. “My ambition has always been around being the best I can at whatever I’m doing, and I have always had just very short-term goals,” says the 55-year-old, who was awarded an OBE for […]

Opposite ends but same Ofsted results joy

Two general FE colleges at opposite ends of England have received glowing Ofsted reports. York College and Weston College, in Somerset, were both rated outstanding following inspections by the education watchdog at the end of last year. In both cases, the ratings were improvements on gradings of good from preceding inspections. York, with grade one […]

Keep calm and carry on for vintage tea party

Members of an AS-level film studies group stepped back in time for a 1940s-themed tea party to celebrate the launch of a new module on Second World War cinema. The South Cheshire College learners also decorated their classroom with Union Jack bunting and other wartime memorabilia, including classic posters and ration books, before watching a […]