Latest Opinion

Skills reform

It’s mayday for the skills sector under DWP

The DWP’s inability to correct the disaster that has been the dynamic purchasing system for Jobcentres suggests the department…

Jessica Hill
John McDonough
Skills reform

We need to build a more inclusive future for the trades

If the UK wants the trades to survive, it must finally confront the diversity crisis holding the sector back

Jessica Hill
Clair Bradley
T Levels

Let’s back T Levels to break the country’s skills deadlock

With T Levels now delivering real skills for real jobs, we have a chance to keep talent rooted in…

Jessica Hill
Dr Sam Rushworth
Apprenticeships

Are assessment reforms a safety risk we can’t afford?

The government’s drive to streamline apprenticeship assessment may look efficient on paper, but employers warn it risks dismantling the…

Jessica Hill
Justine Fosh and Ann Watson
Apprenticeships

The apprenticeships boost is not the game-changer SMEs need

The Chancellor’s funding pledge for under-25 apprenticeships is welcome, but rising labour costs and missing incentives still leave small…

Jessica Hill
Tina McKenzie
Apprenticeships

Treasury is still skimming the levy while NEET numbers surge

A narrow NEET policy won’t shift the dial – we need to go beyond providing a safety net for…

Jessica Hill
Ben Rowland
SEND

A youth guarantee that forgets SEND isn’t a guarantee at all

If the youth guarantee fails to extend EHCP protections and invest in FE pathways to age 25, ministers will sabotage their own growth…

Jessica Hill
Ben Bastin
Prison education

To rebuild lives prison teaching can’t be just English and maths

The new Prison Education Service promised reform, but shrinking curriculums risk undoing progress. Enterprise education could be the key…

Jessica Hill
David Morgan

From our partners

Sponsored post

Bett UK 2026: Learning without limits

Education is humanity’s greatest promise and our most urgent mission.

Tyler Palmer
BETT Show 2026
Sponsored post

Confidence, curiosity, and connection: How colleges are building learners for life

Acting as the bridge between school and adulthood for many young people, colleges play a powerful role in shaping…

Advertorial
Pearson
Sponsored post

A Decade of Impact: Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards Celebrate 10 Years of Inspiring Change at Landmark London Event

Friday 7th November 2025 – Over 700 guests gathered at the Hilton London Metropole for the 10th annual Multicultural…

Advertorial
Pearson
Sponsored post

EPA reform: changes inevitable, but not unfamiliar

Change is coming and, as always with FE, it’s seemingly inevitable. I’ve spent over 20 years working in the sector….

Advertorial
NCFE
Sponsored post

Funding Is Flowing, Demand Is Rising — It’s Time for FE to Deliver on Green Skills

As the UK races toward net zero, the government says it wants to back 2 million green jobs by…

Advertorial
Sabre Rigs
Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK colleges, learners are already…

Advertorial
Pearson
Sponsored post

Supporting the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan Through Skills

The UK Government’s Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain strategy sets a legally binding path towards a net-zero transport…

Advertorial
Sabre Rigs
Sponsored post

Project power: ASDAN expands its qualifications portfolio

From 2026, ASDAN’s planned Foundation and Higher Project Qualifications will sit alongside its Extended Project Qualification[CM1] , creating a complete…

Advertorial
ASDAN

The latest sector transfers

Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 514

Natalie Perera Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, AQA Start date: February 2026 Previous Job: CEO, Education Policy Institute…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 515

Kate Shoesmith Director of Policy and Insights, British Chamber of Commerce Start date: December 2025 Previous job: Deputy CEO,…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 513

Hayley Phare Deputy Principal, Curriculum, The Sheffield College Start date: September 2025 Previous Job: Group Executive Director for Curriculum,…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 512

Leigh Mills Head of Skills, Employment and Education, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Start date: November 2025 Previous…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter

Join the conversation

Hear from other education professionals, follow us on social media or join in the conversation on specific topics and articles.
Comment on articles and content

Newsletter sign up

Sign up for free email updates from FE Week. Never miss a FE Week story.