Opinion

Yes, but… no, but… Stop dithering – we need detail on the summer assessments

The Department for Education can’t delay any longer – contingencies and adaptations for next summer’s exams must be published…

Jess Staufenberg
Bill Watkin
Opinion

What colleges need to know about clinically extremely vulnerable staff

Colleges need to think about how they will deal with staff who won’t return to work because they’re worried…

Jess Staufenberg
Helen Dyke
Opinion

Here are two top tips for MPs looking into prison education

Changing legislation so prisoners can do apprenticeships would be transformative, writes Sally Alexander While there has been a lot…

Jess Staufenberg
Sally Alexander
Opinion

A fundamental change in England’s approach to skills devolution is needed

Devolution needs to be re-configured to nurture thriving local skills systems and confident and capable communities, writes Charlotte Morgan…

Billy Camden
Charlotte Morgan
Opinion

Beware the ‘tidy mind’ when considering funding below level 3

Ministers must listen to the sector carefully if they want to avoid a post-16 quals fiasco, says Tom Bewick…

Jess Staufenberg
Tom Bewick
Opinion

Ofqual must work closely with employers for its bigger role in apprenticeships

The new system has the potential to strengthen the employer voice, but needs clear communication routes, writes Lee Pryor…

Jess Staufenberg
Lee Pryor


Opinion

The government’s attack on the Union Learning Fund is purely political

As a former trade union education officer, I saw the real difference this fund makes, writes Lilian Greenwood “We…

Jess Staufenberg
Lilian Greenwood
Opinion

The government mustn’t scrap ESOL qualifications

The funding set-up, not the qualifications themselves, is to blame for a lack of take-up, writes Mary Osmaston When…

Jess Staufenberg
Mary Osmaston
Opinion

Let’s not kill off the small specialist, local provider in the pursuit of the Amazon model

What’s really behind the Commission on the College of the Future’s recommendation that colleges should have a ‘legal duty’…

Fraser Whieldon
Luke Rake
Opinion

This is a compelling vision that should be reflected in the forthcoming white paper

The Independent Commission on the College of the Future rightly calls on college leaders to drive forward a positive…

Fraser Whieldon
David Hughes
Opinion

The truth is – college leaders can’t agree on what is best for their future

This week the Independent Commission on the College of the Future published their report for England – and despite…

Fraser Whieldon
Nick Linford
Opinion

Why college networks might be a step in the right direction

The future colleges report’s call for a network strategy is eminently sensible as a corrective to failing marketisation, writes…

Fraser Whieldon
Stuart Rimmer