Opinion

The Institute for Apprenticeships is a shambles

The government’s handling of the Institute for Apprenticeships has descended into complete shambles. Even though it will be charged…

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor
Opinion

The continuing QAR fiasco

Colleges need to insist they are given the right data to make meaningful quality judgements about their own performance,…

Graham Taylor
Graham Taylor
Opinion

How we challenged an Ofsted report and won

Sometimes it’s worth challenging an Ofsted report, says John Evans. One of the many dilemmas that principals must struggle…

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor
Opinion

FE wasn’t overlooked in the new year’s honours

FE was poorly represented in this year’s honours not because it was overlooked, but because the sector failed to…

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor
Opinion

Ofsted should be congratulated for admitting its mistake

Ofsted should be congratulated for admitting that it got it wrong with the wording of important extracts of its…

Paul Offord
Paul Offord
Opinion

Are college governors personally liable if something goes wrong?

Dr Sue answers your questions on all aspects of governance, from taking time off to liability.   Question One:…

Sue Pember
Sue Pember


Opinion

Apprentice targets should cross administrative boundaries

We are failing to meet apprenticeship targets in construction due to some ridiculous barriers that should simply be removed,…

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor
Opinion

FE holds the key to 2017’s global skills challenges

Building a world-class skills training system is entirely within our grasp if it is properly supported and prioritised, says…

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor
Opinion

Wellbeing applies to staff as well as students

Improving staff wellbeing is not only vital to college success, it’s our moral duty as FE leaders, says Stuart…

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor
Opinion

If DfE is listening it must act now

Employers are telling a large and successful provider of 16-18 engineering apprentices they will switch to adults once the…

Billy Camden
Billy Camden
Opinion

16-18 apprenticeships are set to plummet

Unbelievably, the government may be about to chop away the first rung on the ladder with its new funding…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
Opinion

My plans, priorities and resolutions for 2017

Writing exclusively in FE Week, Robert Halfon, the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, sets out his plans, priorities and resolutions…

Nick Linford
Nick Linford