York College
‘ofsted’
Ofsted proposals to halve the time between inspections of good FE and skills providers have been questioned by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw has launched an eight-week consultation on reforms to the education watchdog’s inspection regime intended to give “much clearer focus on ensuring that good standards […]
News
Jill Westerman had a very tough year in 2006 — the kind of year that might have persuaded others to consider their futures. But instead, Westerman drew inspiration from the difficulties to step up and become principal of her beloved Northern College in September the following year. “My youngest daughter Tanith was seriously ill with […]
Profiles
Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw has laid out plans for “frequent but shorter” inspections for good FE and skills providers from September next year. Sir Michael this morning launched an eight-week consultation on reforms to the education watchdog’s inspection regime intended to give “much clearer focus on ensuring that good standards have been maintained”. “Most […]
A former “apprentice principal” has taken the reins at Great Yarmouth College (GYC). Stuart Rimmer has left the director of quality and enterprise role he held for seven years at Lancaster and Morecambe College (LMC) to become a first-time principal in Norfolk. The 38-year-old takes over following the retirement of Penny Wycherley, who became Great […]
Movers and Shakers
Too many learners are dropping out of traineeships, Ofsted FE and skills director Lorna Fitzjohn (pictured) has warned. Ms Fitzjohn raised concerns about drop-out rates among learners on the government’s flagship youth unemployment programme in an exclusive interview with FE Week. The education watchdog was unable to reveal any figures to back up the concerns, […]
Staff at Lambeth College who went on a five-week strike towards the end of last academic year will be able to vote from Monday on whether to walk out again — a week before scheduled talks. University and College Union (UCU) members walked out indefinitely on June 3 in a dispute over new staff contracts. […]
Governors should “be a bit braver” when challenging colleges on teaching and learning, according to former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills chief Dr Sue Pember. The ex-head of FE and skills investment and performance at BIS, who is now a governance adviser at the Association of Colleges (AoC), said governors should trust their instincts […]
More than 800 apprentices were today in the dark over their qualifications and job future after Skills Funding Agency (SFA) lead contractor Phones 4u plunged into administration. The Staffordshire-based mobile phone retailer was placed into the hands of administrators PwC on Monday (September 15) after network operator EE joined Vodafone in cutting ties with the […]
A number of University Technical Colleges (UTCs) were running at around 10 per cent capacity last academic year — while the overall enrolment figure plummeted to just 30 per cent, FE Week can reveal. Figures, supplied to FE Week under the Freedom of Information Act, indicate there was a total capacity of around 9,500 places […]