Opinion

So much about the ESFA’s register of end-point assessment organisations makes no sense

In October 2016 the then-chief executive of the ESFA boasted about how hard it was for organisations to get…

Fraser Whieldon
Nick Linford
Opinion

How local areas are tackling youth unemployment

While last week’s employment statistics were generally good news, they also revealed that youth unemployment is rising. Fiona Aldridge…

Expert Contributor
FIONA ALDRIDGE
Opinion

How a holistic package of support can improve students’ outcomes

Building welfare support into post-16 provision is crucial to improving retention and achievements, says Tara Bliss-Appleton, who has some…

Expert Contributor
TARA BLISS APPLETON
Opinion

How we made virtual reality part of our students’ learning

After a poor Ofsted inspection, Preston’s College worked out how technology could boost student and staff performance, says Steve…

Expert Contributor
STEVE SMITH
Opinion

‘High quality’ apprenticeships at risk from policy blind spots

This week we expose four oversight gaps that have emerged since the implementation of apprenticeships. They each put the…

Fraser Whieldon
Nick Linford
Opinion

We recognise we can improve how we work with employers

In the wake of the recent CBI report that criticised some of the work of the Institute for Apprenticeships,…

Expert Contributor
SIR GERRY BERRAGAN


Opinion

How to get the best out of a college merger

A merger can be a trying and testing time, says Mike Hopkins. But do it right and you can…

Expert Contributor
MIKE HOPKINS
Opinion

Let’s embrace a four nations approach to skills

The new Four Nations College Alliance will help colleges go beyond their borders to learn more about best practice…

Evie Hayes
EWART KEEP
Opinion

If it works for apprentices and employers, it works for Ofsted

Over a six-year period, our college rating for apprenticeships improved from ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding’ – and we weren’t even…

Expert Contributor
JACQUI CANTON
Opinion

Why are providers charging the maximum apprenticeship price?

The apprenticeship levy brought with it a radical overhaul of provider funding, dispensing with fixed rates set by the…

Fraser Whieldon
Nick Linford
Opinion

The ESFA needs to talk about sex

The ESFA has multiple categories for ethnicity – why are they unwilling to add an ‘other’ box for sex,…

Expert Contributor
STEVE HEWITT
Opinion

Government must mitigate the risks of T-levels

The technical education reforms under way have the potential to transform England’s skills and productivity record – it is…

Expert Contributor
TOM BEWICK