Author: Expert Contributor

Grappling with new political strategies takes precious time and resources, so we should stay focused on the quest for the best education Part of the lifecycle of any organisation is to revisit the strategic plan, reconsider the vision, rethink the mission and ponder the values and culture required to keep moving forward. If the current […]

Apprenticeship schemes should be at the heart of social, educational and economic policy The apprenticeship system in its current state isn’t working. This isn’t simply a gnarly policy issue, or a practical concern for businesses and learning providers. It is a profound economic and social justice issue, which disproportionately affects the most disadvantaged and perpetuates […]

The government’s announcement of extra funding for FE is welcome, but the sector must ensure it is invested sustainably, says Richard Atkins as he sets out his office’s three key priorities for the new academic year With everyone else in the sector, I was very pleased to read about the significant increase in FE funding […]

The FE and skills sector has for too long existed in the shadow of higher education, says Gavin Williamson, the new education secretary. He explains why he wants to bring it out into the light so that every student has the opportunity to benefit from the same quality of education he had When I was […]

New funding bands should be talked about before they are introduced, not reviewed afterwards, says Sue Pittock When the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) published the outcomes of its latest round of funding band reviews on July 1, it was only a matter of time before employers and training providers voiced their concerns […]

Participation levels in lifelong learning are tumbling, says Ewart Keep. Action is needed – and now The return of lifelong learning as a policy issue has recently been building: reviews have been published and recommendations made to tackle the challenges facing the UK workforce. We now need action. Why? First, automation and digital technologies are […]

The recently announced higher technical qualifications should be seen as more than a re-badge of existing qualifications, says Kirstie Donnelly The UK is unarguably a country steeped in traditional academic education routes. For too long the pathway through A-levels and on to a university degree has been considered “the norm”. Last year a record number […]

The new EIF will be wholly fit for purpose when it comes into effect in September, says Paul Joyce One of Ofsted’s core strategy promises is to improve the validity of inspection continually. As part of meeting that commitment, last autumn we carried out research on lesson visits and work scrutiny. Our aim was to […]

Smart technology that transforms data management is available in an FE college near you, says Richard Alberg Big data is everywhere; it enables the analysis of how we shop, vote and even make our way around cities. But what can it do for further education, particularly when it comes to the highly competitive apprenticeship market? […]