FE workforce

Colleges could pay teachers more but are choosing not to

The pay gap with schoolteachers is often blamed on funding but colleges need to confront uncomfortable truths about how…

Jessica Hill
Ian Pryce
Opinion

‘Computer says no’ is a huge concern among young people

AI may promise efficiency, but many job candidates fear it’s a barrier that shuts down opportunity and stops employers…

Jessica Hill
Raya Wexler
The Staffroom – opinion

A night in the cells set students free to play and make connections

A criminology residential in a preserved Victorian prison revealed something unexpected: when teenagers are given space to play, connection,…

Jessica Hill
Grace England
Ofsted

‘Meets expectations’ isn’t good enough if old mindset persists

Scrapping the overall effectiveness judgment was meant to reduce inspection pressure but people are wrongly translating the new framework

Jessica Hill
Lou Doyle
Skills reform

Skills England’s new expert network will cut red tape, not corners

Reforms can be delivered at pace without compromising quality if employer insight is used effectively and proportionately, says Gemma…

Shane Chowen
Gemma Marsh
Apprenticeships

We must measure what matters in this new era of AI upskilling

While the government is finally starting to meet apprenticeship needs on AI, outdated assessment measures risk holding back progress…

Jessica Hill
Euan Blair


Skills reform

Britain’s growth plan will fail without level 4 and 5 skills

If the industrial strategy is serious about advanced manufacturing, it must finally fix the “missing middle” in our skills…

Jessica Hill
Jamie Cater
Adult education

FE is the missing partner in social prescribing

FE institutions are rebuilding confidence, reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing every day, yet they remain largely invisible in health…

Jessica Hill
Dipa Ganguli
Teaching

Diving into digital reveals a distinct lack of judgment

Inspection and funding systems reward what can be audited, but the human skills students need for safe, ethical practice…

Jessica Hill
Nuala Smith
The Staffroom – opinion

It pays to be playful when launching new technology

Digital CPD too often overwhelms staff with instructions and tools they barely understand. So let them try to break…

Jessica Hill
Richard Harris
Adult education

If the Cook Islands can commit to lifelong learning, why can’t we?

Dozens of nations have a lifelong learning strategy. England does not. As adult education participation falls and funding shrinks,…

Jessica Hill
Simon Parkinson
FE workforce

Teachers need work experience too if new pathways are to succeed

Regular, structured opportunities for teachers to refresh and develop their subject knowledge is vital

Jessica Hill
Jo Swindells