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7 April 2026

Author: Expert Contributor

How will EdTech shape the FE sector over the next five years?

Jisc’s head of FE, Paul McKean, digs out his crystal ball for what he reckons is coming to the sector over the next half-decade Our vision for the sector over the five years to 2022 is for FE organisations to become digital by default, supported by a digitally capable workforce that understands the needs of […]

How to fix degree apprenticeships

The degree apprenticeship programme needs greater clarity in quality and delivery standards, and diversification away from management degrees in order to be truly successful, says David Allison The education secretary lauded the degree apprenticeship programme when she announced 27 new projects this week, yet new projects are not all that is needed. The ‘new’ industry-designed degree […]

FE must lead on the EdTech agenda

The opportunity for artificial intelligence-backed virtual reality to revolutionise technical and vocational education and training is upon us, says Ali Hadawi There is a distinct opportunity for the FE sector to lead the change in delivering truly inspirational learning and training using present-day technology. Machine learning, or artificial intelligence, moves the boundary into a domain […]

‘Traineeships’ is jargon: talk about careers advice

If we want to get our NEETs back into work, says Dr Fiona Aldridge, we need to speak more plainly Last week, in partnership with the Department for Education, L&W hosted a conference entitled Traineeships: Why they work to provide practical insight into effective and innovative ways in which traineeships can be delivered to secure […]

No need to fully fund level two apprenticeships

The AELP wants the government to pay for all level two apprenticeships, but this is not the answer, argues Adrian Anderson The two drivers behind the apprenticeship reforms are to increase productivity and enhance social mobility. From a productivity and economic perspective, if the UK is to prosper and succeed we need to develop a […]

It’s time to rebuild the AEB process

This year’s adult education budget has been a debacle, according to Mark Dawe, who wants the whole process substantially rethought and redesigned to avoid underspending on one hand and underfunding on the other There’s no denying that the recent tender process for the independent training providers’ £110 million share of the £1.5 billion adult education […]

Education is a market. But who’s buying and who’s selling?

We do not provide our young people with enough information – especially not in terms of money – on their pathways through further and higher education, says David Allison I was interviewed this week by an up-and-coming intern who wanted some thoughts on the way young people enter the workplace. Sarah had just graduated from […]

Comparable outcomes explained for college leaders

The first few years of any new qualification are carefully monitored, so your GCSE students haven’t been hurt, says Lesley Davies My overriding priority as a college principal, when I think about my students’ exam results, is that everyone is treated fairly. This year we were all grappling with major changes to most qualifications, particularly […]

National Education Service proposal is flawed

Labour’s proposed new National Education Service could impoverish colleges and disadvantage learners, claims Professor Bill Wardle Jeremy Corbyn’s speech to the Labour conference included a rallying call that should alarm the education community, particularly colleges: the establishment of a National Education Service, offering free college education courses to all. The watchwords “free, universal and empowering” […]