This election must spell the end of the blunt GCSE resit The sector must rally to force a rethink on a policy that simply doesn’t meet the country’s needs, let alone young people’s
Boosting apprenticeships take-up requires better lines of communication Communication channels between employers, schools, parents and students are vital but they are far too inconsistent to deliver on their potential
Gaps remain in Labour’s plans to fill shortages and spread opportunity Labour’s manifesto gives further education grounds for optimism, but the sector will need more than warm words and big ambitions
There are positives – but the Conservatives’ manifesto misfires on crucial issues This was a chance to come out fighting, but the Conservatives’ policies fail to acknowledge the scale of need and lack real ambition
How the new Adult Social Care Certificate will support local skills needs What is the new qualification is, who is it for, and what opportunities does it present for colleges and training providers to their support communities
How to shift attitudes and market higher technical qualifications effectively The umbrella term of higher technical qualifications is a useful conceit to appeal to the right learners in what is a considerable potential market
The election will bring change – but will it bring respect? Whoever wins the contest, the new administration and its Department for Education must get to know our sector and its learners better
Why would anyone question the benefits of more teaching time for resits? The benefits of setting minimum teaching hours for resits should be evident to all – and the government isn’t asking for much in return
From OOF to WOOF: How to put a leash on apprenticeship completion dates The growing problem of ‘well out of funding’ learners is often the result of the tail wagging the apprenticeship dog