Opinion

After Black Lives Matter, it’s time FE led the way on inclusion

FE has some of the most diverse classrooms around and should be setting an example when it comes to…

Jess Staufenberg
Teresa Carroll
Opinion

The DfE’s college merger process seriously ‘requires improvement’

These are three steps the government could take to ensure no other college has to endure the protracted process…

Jess Staufenberg
Sarah Stannard
Opinion

Colleges have key role to play in maximising SME innovation

The post-Covid business recovery is going to rely on innovation as never before. And this is where FE colleges…

Fraser Whieldon
Marguerite Hogg
News, Opinion, Sponsored post

We cannot lose sight of the long-term unemployed (sponsored)

In October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the unemployment rate in the UK continues to increase…

Victoria Boyle
DAN HOWARD
Opinion

Access to post-18 opportunities is not a level playing field

Ministers must come up with a new policy to allow 18- to 24-year-olds on universal credit to access free…

JL Dutaut
MARK CORNEY
Opinion

Government must rethink reskilling and reboot short courses

Those of us who have been offering free partial qualifications and short courses for years know how crucial they…

JL Dutaut
Kurt Hintz


Opinion

Aligning end-point assessment with existing regulation makes sense

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is right to remove duplication from apprenticeship assessment, writes Iain Mackinnon  Despite…

Billy Camden
Iain Mackinnon 
Opinion

Why are only four in 10 staff in FE comfortable with mainstream technology?

The state of digital skills among the workforce isn’t good enough and is letting learners down, writes Robin Ghurbhurun…

Jess Staufenberg
Robin Ghurbhurun
Opinion

Dig beneath the surface of the government’s skills announcement and it’s unambitious

The government is deploying a solutions-as-you-go approach, instead of a proper national network for employment and training, writes Kirstie…

Jess Staufenberg
KIRSTIE DONNELLY
Opinion

I hope more government departments follow our lead by employing apprentices

The apprenticeships trial in my department will be closely evaluated so we can set an example across government, writes…

Jess Staufenberg
GILLIAN KEEGAN
Opinion

Too little, too late, Johnson’s speech takes FE back to 2013

The prime minister’s announcement lacks urgency and fails to bring enough money forward to this year, writes Toby Perkins…

Jess Staufenberg
TOBY PERKINS
Opinion

College leaders have only a tight window to spend £200 million of capital funds

The Department for Education should offer colleges a more flexible deadline for completing capital projects, writes Mark Robinson, chief…

Jess Staufenberg
MARK ROBINSON