Opinion

Ofsted’s report shows community learning providers need more funding

The high quality of adult education provision highlighted in the inspectorate’s annual report is a strong argument for rebalancing...

Sue Pember
SUE PEMBER
Opinion

How DfE can better support colleges in crisis

As she leads her new institution to financial recovery, principal Karen Redhead reflects on what can help and hinder...

Expert Contributor
KAREN REDHEAD
Opinion

Let’s spend more cash on SEND learners and less on admin

Some of the funding that used to be spent on support for learning disabilities now goes on administration. Students...

Expert Contributor
GRAHAM RAZEY
Opinion

Ofsted is wrong about arts and media courses

The obsession with STEM is causing misperceptions about the value – economic and social – of participation in the...

Expert Contributor
DEBRA GRAY
Opinion

It’s now obvious that urgent action is needed to quality assure all loans-only providers

In 2013 the government moved several hundred million pounds of level three funding out of the adult skills budget,...

Nick Linford
NICK LINFORD
Opinion

Do Skills Advisory Panels even make sense?

Will SAPs really be able to match local skills supply to employers’ needs, or is this just magical thinking,...

Expert Contributor
EWART KEEP
Opinion

Colleges can give students a headstart over universities

With their close employer relationships, colleges have a major advantage over schools and universities, says Ronel Lehmann For years...

Expert Contributor
RONEL LEHMANN
Opinion

Why should colleges prioritise digital technology?

Using tech effectively throughout your college is about creating equal opportunities for all learners, explains Deborah Millar Our job...

Expert Contributor
DEBORAH MILLAR
Opinion

What’s best practice for setting apprenticeship subcontracting fees?

Subcontractors can cost providers more than they would like, but the benefit to apprentices can make it worth it,...

Expert Contributor
RUPERT CROSSLAND