Politics

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...

Jessica Hill
Tom Bewick
Colleges, Long read

Lisa O’Loughlin, principal and CEO

As Nelson and Colne College Group unveils a new identity, its leader Lisa O’Loughlin reflects on tackling illness, steering...

Jessica Hill
Jessica Hill
Bootcamps

Bootcamps fray and wear thin as providers begin race to the bottom

As funding pressures mount and oversight gaps widen, the long-term future of bootcamps depends on better accountability and sustained...

Jessica Hill
Kerry Boffey
Assessment

Exams disadvantage the anxious and fail to prepare the crammers

Exams have long been the currency of education but in professional pathways such as HNDs this model feels increasingly...

Jessica Hill
Imran Mir
Training Providers

We must stop chasing unicorns and start valuing sustainability

The dominance of private equity and venture capital in FE is leaving behind quality, sustainability and learners. It’s time...

Jessica Hill
Nick Smith
Curriculum and Assessment Review

Young people have spoken. Now it’s time for government to listen

The youth-led shadow curriculum and assessment review sets out 14 bold recommendations for a more inclusive, relevant and empowering...

Jessica Hill
Amira Campbell
The Staffroom - opinion

We’re reaching those young people who left the classroom behind

 As school avoidance and elective home education soar, thousands of young people risk falling through the cracks without qualifications....

Jessica Hill
Anne-Marie Francis
Online safety

Being a ‘digital native’ doesn’t mean students are safe online

The weakness of age checks shows Ofcom’s regulations for social media companies don’t go far enough

Jessica Hill
Rob Faulkner
WorldSkills

Why we’re ditching pass/fail for bronze, silver and gold

Embedding WorldSkills UK's excellence framework into everyday teaching helped redefine success for students who came to college with a...

Jessica Hill
Michelle Bibby