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11 April 2026

Author: Paul Offord

Cable speaks on new post-16 skills review after ‘dual mandate’ dumped

Vince Cable has accused the Conservatives of sweeping his “dual mandate” consultation for the FE sector under the carpet after he left government – so he sees a new joint report into post-16 skills from a learner perspective as his chance to put things right. The new leader the Liberal Democrats spoke to FE Week […]

Consultation launched on mega-London college merger amid Grenfell opposition

A public consultation has been launched on merger plans between two London Colleges, amid mounting opposition from Grenfell Tower fire campaigners who fear it will end adult education for poorer people in the area. The central London area review recommended that Kensington and Chelsea College merge with the City Literary Institute, a specialist designated institution, […]

Ofsted to ask FE learners if they feel safe in residential provision

Ofsted is asking young people in residential provision at FE colleges if they feel safe and able to raise concerns. The inspectorate is kicking off its annual drive to obtain their views using “point-in-time” questionnaires, which will also be sent to boarding and residential special schools. “Ofsted inspectors want to hear what children and young […]

Serious adult education budget procurement fears for third sector

Many charities will lose their direct contracts as a result of the controversial adult education budget procurement process, according to a major sector figure. Even though the Education and Skills Funding Agency finally revealed how much cash private providers would receive to deliver AEB training in 2017/18 in early August, many providers have since complained […]

U-turn welcomed on funding for employees taught outside the workplace

Courses for people in employment are once again allowed to use public funding, so long as they are taught outside the workplace, the Education and Skills Funding Agency has confirmed in a significant policy U-turn. Training in the workplace is not typically funded from the Adult Education Budget, but the sector kicked up a stink […]

What do the people behind the privatisation of Learndirect think now?

Former publicly-owned FE giant Learndirect recently lost a High Court battle to quash an ‘inadequate’ rating from Ofsted, which could prove devastating for its very existence. FE Week has spoken to major players in its 2011 privatisation, including Vince Cable, who was ultimately responsible for a sale considered by Labour, before Ofsted’s full report is […]

Exclusive: Grade four Ofsted-rated provider in administration

A Norfolk-based provider that was hit with a grade four Ofsted rating in May has entered into administration, FE Week understands. The news on Norfolk Training Services was confirmed this afternoon to FE Week by administrators Larking Gowen. FE Week reported three months ago that the provider had received the lowest possible overall-Ofsted rating. The […]

Rejected appeal application looks like the beginning of the end for Learndirect

The country’s biggest training provider has had its desperate attempt to appeal against a judicial review flatly rejected – in a move that will finally give Ofsted leave to publish its damning ‘inadequate’ inspection report. Skills giant Learndirect lost its first High Court bid to overturn the grade four-overall verdict that will cost it £100 […]