Billy Camden | FE Week

Learndirect criticised by Ofsted for ‘confusion’ over apprentices’ transfer

Leaders at Learndirect have been criticised by Ofsted for causing “confusion and uncertainty” over the transfer of their apprentices to other providers. Inspectors noted a number of improvements since it was rated ‘inadequate’ overall last summer and from two subsequent monitoring visits, in their latest assessment of the troubled provider. But “insufficient progress” is being […]

Great Debate on apprenticeships: time for stability, or major change?

The motion: This house believes the fall in apprenticeship starts since last May and the unspent levy proves urgent policy changes are needed The first in a series of FE Week and Pearson Great Debates was held in parliament this week, with nearly 300 sector leaders arguing over whether further reforms are needed to the […]

Ofsted watch: Bad week for providers – especially UTCs

It was a poor week for providers who received full inspections, as one failed to improve its grade three and two university technical colleges were hit with damning grade four reports. People and Business Development Ltd, an independent provider based in Suffolk, was rated ‘requires improvement’ across the board – which was worse than its […]

‘Incredible’ that DfE unsure which of its apprentices were already civil servants

The Department for Education has drawn criticism for not knowing whether more than a third of its apprentices were new or existing civil servants. As of May 10, the department had 186 employed apprentices. Through a freedom of information response, the DfE revealed that 76 of these were existing civil servants and 36 were new […]

Movers and Shakers: Edition 251

Your weekly guide to who’s new and who’s leaving Karen Redhead, principal and chief executive, Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College Start date: Autumn 2018 Previous job: principal and chief executive, Derwentside College Interesting fact: Karen is a keen horse rider, but now restricts herself to helping to judge at dressage competitions Julie Nerney, chair, […]

BTEC award winners 2018 unveiled

The 24 winners of the 2018 BTEC awards have been recognised at a glitzy ceremony in London. Central Hall Westminster held the awards where individual learners’ achievements were recognised in a range of subject areas, from construction to music and engineering to sport. Hosted by TV presenter and well-known FE supporter Steph McGovern, the ceremony […]

AEB devolution gets step closer as first pre-tender exercise launched

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has become the first devolved area to launch a pre-procurement exercise for the adult education budget. Ahead of its takeover of the AEB for its region in 2019/20, the authority is asking local training provides to take part in market research to help it draft and formulate a tender specification. […]

Institute for Apprenticeships’ T-level takeover delayed, again

A second delay to when the Institute for Apprenticeships will take responsibility for T-levels has been confirmed. According to the institute’s business plan for 2018/19, published today, it only expects to have agreed a “full implementation timetable” for taking on the new technical qualifications by next March. It was originally meant to take control of […]

Ex-principal paid £80k for gardening leave amid staff redundancy push

A former Sussex principal is being paid around £80,000 not to work over a five-month period even though the college is in a financial mess and cutting down on staff. The University and College Union is appalled, branding the situation “unacceptable”. Mike Hopkins left the top spot at Sussex Downs College in March, placed on […]