Ofsted’s reforms are a missed chance that won’t futureproof FE and skills The inspection framework revamp touts inclusion and fairness but without industry insight and real focus on apprenticeships, FE will still be underserved
The exclusivity of the inclusion agenda: it isn’t ‘inclusive’ when voices are missing As the government prepares sweeping SEND reforms, inclusion is the buzzword of the day – but the sector’s most valuable voices are being sidelined
How student-led tech projects helped reshape our FE curriculum From drone-assisted geology to VR-powered landscaping, our students showed their lecturers what’s possible with new tech tools
Redundancy shouldn’t spell end of an apprenticeship dream Scotland’s Adopt an Apprentice scheme kept many of those who lost their jobs on track, providing a blueprint we can all learn from
One minister, two beasts: Can Jacqui Smith fix the skills system? Jacqui Smith’s unprecedented brief spanning the DfE and DWP signals ambition for a joined-up skills system. But without wider government buy-in, her impact risks being symbolic
If we do rejoin Erasmus+ then seize the opportunity, FE Renewed access to Erasmus+ could be on the horizon, presenting a golden opportunity to bring back life-changing experiences for learners and educators
Colleges are bracing themselves for the Whitehall power shift With skills policy moving to DWP, Ofsted unveiling a new framework and defence cash pouring in, this autumn could define the future of FE. But will ministers see beyond workforce targets to the bigger picture of lifelong learning?
Clearing hurdles – the journey to our brand new sixth form college From funding challenges to parking concerns, this has been no easy project. Our new sixth form college is proof of what determination can deliver
Starmer’s shake-up could be the gamechanger FE needs The Prime Minister’s decision to wrench skills policy from the Department for Education and place it in a new growth-focused super-ministry is the best chance in decades to align training with economic need