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16 June 2026

Author: Jessica Hill

The pioneering college brave enough to tackle suicide issues head on

Cuts to local youth and mental services means that for many young people, their college is the only place to turn at times of mental health crisis. FE Week investigations reporter Jessica Hill goes to Weston College to find out how colleges, and their staff, are providing life-saving support for students. Without the support he […]

Janet Smith, chief executive and principal of Nottingham College

Janet Smith leads one of the UK’s largest colleges, which after decades of storms is now moving into calmer waters. Jessica Hill meets the new chief executive and principal of Nottingham College Janet Smith admits she has a “very low boredom threshold”. But rather than being a curse, it has propelled her to teach courses […]

Brenda McLeish, chief executive, Learning Curve Group

From PA to chief executive, Brenda McLeish has risen through the ranks to run one of the country’s largest and most successful training companies, grabbing numerous awards and accolades in the process. Trading conditions in the training sector are tougher than ever, but that won’t stop the ‘purple people’ from going for growth, she tells […]

Focus feature: Are college-led academy trusts the answer to the big education divide?

From classroom-to-career; the record of colleges sponsoring multi-academy trusts is a mixed one. Jessica Hill investigates if there is a secret to their success, and why some have fallen by the wayside. While some see colleges and schools as uncomfortable bed partners, others claim there are profound benefits to be reaped for students when a […]