Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships reform could weaken social mobility impact

Apprenticeships are often hailed as a vehicle for social mobility, but the reality is more complex

Jessica Hill
Alun Francis
Mental Health

FE failing to keep pace with teen mental health implosion

The college sector has lagged schools in the rollout of mental health support teams and is set to miss...

Jessica Hill
Ellie Whitlock
The Uncivil Servant

Cutting demand is inept solution to not meeting functional skills tutor supply

Swinging the axe on the skills requirement for adult apprentices sells learners short, revealing a policy ineptitude and contempt...

Jessica Hill
Andrew Otty
Construction

There’s no simple answer to trainer shortages, so don’t seek one

We're exploring new pathways to tackle the construction industry’s trainer and assessor shortage but there's no easy fix

Jessica Hill
Wendy Osborn
AI

AI and data security – let’s worry about the right things 

Instead of fixating on training data risks, we should focus on broader security concerns

Jessica Hill
Michael Webb
Colleges Week

Let’s build a brighter future for adults this Colleges Week

As Colleges Week 2025 unfolds, let's spotlight the often overlooked yet vital role adult education plays in achieving many...

Jessica Hill
Dipa Ganguli OBE
Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship reforms mirror Scotland – and that’s good

England’s scrapping of mandatory functional skills for adults and a reduction in apprenticeship length where necessary shows a pragmatism...

Jessica Hill
Stuart McKenna
Apprenticeships

No more shocks please DfE over apprenticeship achievement rates

A shock demand from the ESFA meant some providers had to close programmes last year – the FIN wants...

Jessica Hill
Kerry Boffey
SEND

Collaboration was our way of solving a local SEND crisis

Organisations have their own targets to hit, but pooling resources between our LA and trust boosted delivery

Jessica Hill
Abrilli Phillip and Dr Sam Parrett CBE