lifelong learning entitlement, short courses, Skills reform

How professional short courses are shaping FE’s future

With government reforms and employer demand driving change, FE colleges are embracing flexible, skills-focused courses

Jessica Hill
John Knott
AI

It’s not if AI will change FE, it’s how boldly we shape it

As artificial intelligence reshapes every sector, further education must rise to the challenge—not just teaching AI, but reimagining education…

Jessica Hill
Heather Akehurst
Opinion

The silent chorus: When teachers’ secret romances turn tragic

In the glass-walled panopticon of modern colleges, attractions play out in full view—while colleagues watch, powerless to intervene as…

Jessica Hill
Anonymous
SEND

From EHCPs to work, our internship scheme is changing lives

When young people with SEND leave education, meaningful work can feel out of reach. But our programme is flipping…

Jessica Hill
Elizabeth Halton
The Staffroom – opinion

All aboard the cruise industry for our new wave of employer engagement

For Nescot students, employer partnerships turn classroom learning into real-world careers – and the cruise industry is the latest…

Jessica Hill
Julie Kapsalis
Adult education

Where’s adult education in the NHS prevention plan?

Prevention is a key focus of the new NHS 10-year plan. But the government is cutting adult education budgets…

Jessica Hill
Simon Parkinson


tutor shortages

Let’s try to solve the FE recruitment crisis from within

Cancelled classes, delayed cohorts, and rising learner demand – the FE sector is at a tipping point. But instead…

Jessica Hill
Cath Littler
social mobility

Poverty matters. But it’s not the whole story

Poverty must never be used as an excuse for underperformance. If we truly believe in the potential of every…

Jessica Hill
Alun Francis
Turing

Shrinking budgets, smaller trips: The new reality for Turing scheme

Recent reductions in Turing Scheme funding have left FE colleges scrambling to sustain international study trips. With disadvantaged students…

Jessica Hill
Kate Erskine
Apprenticeships, Higher education

Level 7 apprenticeship cuts are death blow for HE and social mobility

The axing of Level 7 apprenticeships funding doesn’t just strip HEIs of critical revenue – it destroys hard-won industry…

Jessica Hill
Ernest Edifor
Governance

How FE leaders could help rescue university governance 

FE colleges have honed strong, diverse governance rooted in community, efficiency, and accountability, while university boards struggle with financial…

Jessica Hill
Liz Bromley and Paul Aristides
Online learning

Online learning flattens barriers in the age of devolution

From coastal towns to busy parents, not everyone can ride a motorbike to a training centre like I can….

Jessica Hill
Mark Dawe