level 3

We can’t afford complacency in the fight for BTECs

Defunding these qualifications is ill-informed and the risk is too high for learners, colleges and universities

JL Dutaut
David Phoenix
Ofsted

What FE thinks of Ofsted – and how to improve it

A new report reveals the good and bad of college inspection and hopes to shape a nuanced debate about...

JL Dutaut
Andrea Laczik
Obituary

Obituary: Reverend Claudette Athea Douglas

Claudette will be remembered across the sector for her devotion to students and staff, writes Sam Parrett

Shane Chowen
Sam Parrett CBE
Budget 2024

Beyond the budget headlines, cuts loom for adult education

Investment plans for skills still fall short of big ambitions for economic growth, writes Stephen Evans

Shane Chowen
Stephen Evans
Budget 2024

A welcome budget, but what comes next matters more

Extra funding is welcome, but the last thing colleges need is more red tape, writes Mark Taylor

Shane Chowen
Mark Taylor
Budget 2024

The budget gave us reasons to be optimistic (and nervous)

This wasn't a game-changing budget for FE, but there are early signs Labour sees skills as essential for growth,...

Shane Chowen
George Ryan
Adult education

Neglecting over-50s in the training world must change – here’s how we do it

Recruiting and retaining older learners and creating inclusive training programmes that meet their needs are imperatives

JL Dutaut
Sara Roberts
level 3

Level 3 qualifications reform poses a risk to digital skills

BTECS are an essential part of skills training for the digital sector, for which no replacement yet exists

JL Dutaut
Julia Von Klonowski
Autumn budget 2024

Budget: Our expectations must be realistic and long-term

Our asks are moderate, but the chancellor can't delay action for the sector long if government is going to...

JL Dutaut
David Hughes