Latest Opinion

Skills England

Without real teeth, Skills England risks drifting off course

It has a capable chair and a credible start. But unless ministers give it teeth, funding and genuine…

Jessica Hill
John Cope
The Staffroom – opinion

I’m squinting at the future but my vision remains out of focus

We teachers need to admit we don’t know what upheaval AI will unleash – will the subjects that we…

Jessica Hill
David Murray
Colleges

Leader wellbeing is central to the success of our college students

Technical CPD alone won’t sustain a workforce navigating funding pressures, safeguarding complexities and rising SEND. Colleges must rebuild leadership…

Jessica Hill
Dr Sam Parrett and Andy Wolfe
Opinion

Post-16 reforms could worsen the NEET problem, not solve it

ITPs provide courses that work for students who have struggled in education – they must be protected in the…

Jessica Hill
Stuart Allen
Colleges

FE’s social impact risks being ignored if we don’t measure it

From community outreach to economic renewal, FE’s contribution goes far beyond the classroom – but we need the data…

Jessica Hill
Dr Vikki Smith
Apprenticeships

Young people can’t choose the pathways they can’t see

Despite the efforts of the Baker Clause, apprenticeships remain a mystery to students, parents and society in general. A…

Jessica Hill
Dale Walker
Skills reform

For Skills England to succeed, the sector must lead

Skills England is already on borrowed time, because no quango survives the churn of Westminster. If the sector wants…

Jessica Hill
Mark Dawe
Colleges

To lead on inclusion, FE needs more neurodiverse thinkers at its top tables

If the sector wants innovation, empathy and resilience, it must open the door to the leaders who think differently

Jessica Hill
Imran Mir

From our partners

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Teaching leadership early: the missing piece in youth employability

Leaders in education and industry are ready to play their part in tackling the UK’s alarming levels of youth…

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Chartered Management Institute
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Bett UK 2026: Learning without limits

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

Tyler Palmer
BETT Show 2026
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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…

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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…

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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….

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Sabre Rigs

The latest sector transfers

Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 518

Rachel Kay Director, Skills, Deloitte Start date: January 2026 Previous Job: Director of Education, Learning People Global Interesting fact:…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 517

Diana Bird Executive Principal, Leeds City College Start date: Spring 2026 Previous Job: Principal and CEO, Shipley College Interesting…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 516

Jo Kershaw Deputy Principal – Quality & Student Experience, The Sheffield College Start date: November 2025 Previous Job: Vice…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
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

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