FE Week Reporter | FE Week

Enter governance, centre stage

There’s a “crucial” offstage layer in society, according to Dame Ruth Silver, chair of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). This layer is governance and, she believes, it is vital to modern society and to the public sector — yet it remains in the shadows. “All forms of governance are little known, under–scrutinised, and […]

At the heart of the matter

Oustanding teaching and learning is back at the centre of leadership focus – which is where it should be, says Lynne Sedgmore Leadership in colleges constantly receives attention. It almost has become a cliche to say that excellence in all aspects of an organisation is dependent ultimately upon the quality of its leadership. Of course […]

Time to shine a spotlight on college governance

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock and Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw have both drawn attention to the importance of FE governance. The minister spoke of the contribution made by governors when he addressed a gathering of 130 FE governors and chairs of governors, at Lancaster House, London, early in the year. “I am deeply grateful […]

The leadership challenge

It’s a time of transition in FE as high profile principals retire and a new generation of college leaders emerges. But what does it take to run an effective and successful organisation? Does a principal need experience of teaching or does he or she simply need a flair for management? It’s not an easy time […]

‘Getting to the summit was a mixture of sadness and celebration’

A Stourbridge lecturer tells Chris Henwood why he decided to climb Mt Kilimanjaro – and why his successful ascent wasn’t as celebratory as he thought it might be Midland lecturer Steve Woollock was prepared for a gruelling trek up Mt Kilimanjaro. What he wasn’t prepared for was the death of a fellow climber. The fatality […]

The future of FE leadership services

Leadership, management and governance will be “a priority” for the FE Guild — but the future training for such skills remains in question. With the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) to cease operating at the end of the current academic year, the future of senior FE management development programmes has been thrown into doubt. […]

Ofsted boss commends ‘high standards’ at MidKent College

Kent media production learners got to quiz the chief inspector of schools when he was shown around their campus. Ofsted head Sir Michael Wilshaw was interviewed by media students, and spoke with staff on his two-hour tour around MidKent College. MidKent principal Stephen Grix said he invited Sir Michael to Medway to gain valuable feedback […]

Hull College in a league of their own

Hull FC League have given Lincolnshire sports students the chance to tackle a day’s sporting skills and leadership training. North Lindsey College students on a range of sport-related courses took part in physical and classroom activities to gain a rugby league leadership award. Chloe Myers, 17, who is studying a level three subsidiary diploma in […]

‘Brilliant’ event backs Fairtrade

High street names such as Sainsbury’s and cosmetics brand Lush took part in a Devon college’s Fairtrade Festival. Second year hospitality and event planning students at City College Plymouth, which is committed to using Fairtrade products, hosted the event late last month. Other departments that took part included hair and beauty and skills for life. […]