Ofsted names new ‘external reference group’ members Groups will offer ‘independent advice and challenge’ as watchdog embarks on wide-ranging reforms, but FE and skills representation is lacking
Labour’s private school VAT plan must exclude specialist colleges Forcing specialist colleges to charge local authorities VAT is wasteful and will divert resources from teaching the most vulnerable, writes Clare Howard
A strong Skills England can tackle migration misconceptions New skills strategies need to retain, as well as recruit, workers in shortage sectors, writes Andy Forbes
Leading a strong college response to riots and disorder As the physical damage caused by the riots is repaired, Ellen Thinnesen explains how colleges restore trust in the community
Why do governments keep letting colleges down? Consecutive governments’ disconnect from further education threatens to deepen inequality and stifle opportunity
Beauty and the best: Hair and beauty provider graded ‘outstanding’ across the board Inspectors heaped praise on holistic curriculums and “role model” managers at Debut Training Academy
UCU staff threaten ‘last resort’ indefinite strike action Dispute between college teaching union and its staff over workplace racism and conditions escalates with threat of continuous strikes from next month
Phillipson defends ‘risible’ partial level 3 defunding pause Pausing 2025 and 2026 defunding plans could prejudice DfE review, education secretary says
Meet the ministers: Starmer’s first DfE lineup confirmed Janet Daby will represent skills, FE and HE in the House of Commons