Expert Contributor | FE Week

Technical education is our best chance to achieve social mobility

Far from being “elitist”, Lord Sainsbury’s recommendations give those who can’t get into elite universities a chance to compete, says Andy Forbes. I was incensed at Lord Sainsbury being branded “elitist” for his definition of technical education; he is right to set a high bar for quality education in the sector. Far from being “elitist”, the […]

Should colleges work internationally?

Internationalisation of our colleges is not an academic nicety but a fundamental necessity, and there are many ways to do it, says Tracy Ferrier. A lot of attention has been given recently to the challenges faced by UK colleges delivering large commercial contracts overseas. While some of this negative attention may be understandable, the danger is […]

Should colleges require level 4s or 5s of the new GCSEs for A Level entry?

Dr Sue answers your questions on Board Composition, Having an impact & New A-level entry grades. Question One: Board composition I am the new clerk of a recently merged college and I am increasingly worried about the makeup of the governing body. It seems to be largely made up of colleagues and acquaintances of the […]

We need to rise to the challenge of Brexit

To rise to the challenge of a post-Brexit Britain, we need a clear, accessible skills system, says Graham Hasting-Evans When you’re up to your neck in alligators it’s difficult to remember your first objective was to drain the swamp – or to put it another way: we need to get a grip following Brexit. The […]

Apprenticeship figures: Are colleges skipping lunch?

There’s nothing wrong with colleges not providing apprenticeships, unless it threatens their future viability, says Ben Verinder Recent figures on the proportion of apprenticeships delivered by different types of providers appear to paint a miserable picture for colleges. Once again their share of the market has fallen; they now deliver fewer than one third of […]

IPPR’s proposals are not in the public interest

The latest report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) recommends abolishing level two apprenticeships for all 16- to 18-year-olds. It proposes forcing all those in this age group who are not taking an academic route to university, to undertake a two-year pre-apprenticeship programme at their local FE college or not-for-profit training provider. Even […]

Apprenticeships aren’t the only answer

A system of any extreme is unlikely to deliver the right outcomes for individuals, employers or the economy, says Gemma Gathercole There can be little doubt that apprenticeships are the hot topic in the skills world, but recent events and reports have shown us there is still little consensus on what our apprenticeship system should […]

Insolvency regime will make sector financially sustainable

The insolvency regime proposed in the new bill will make sure colleges are delivering as a productive businesses as well as effective training providers, says Ian Pretty The government’s Technical and Further Education Bill sets out proposals for a new insolvency regime for FE colleges. This is a big moment for a sector increasingly pushed […]

Area reviews have lost their true purpose

The link between area reviews and their original aim – of matching skills to labour market need – has been lost, says Caireen Mitchell. When BIS announced the area reviews in March, the process had at its core a complex but noble purpose: to deliver financially viable, resilient institutions, with strong reputations, delivering a high-quality […]