Latest Opinion

Colleges

Clearing hurdles – the journey to our brand new sixth form college 

From funding challenges to parking concerns, this has been no easy project. Our new sixth form college is proof…

Jessica Hill
Dr Phil Mark
Politics

One minister, two beasts: Can Jacqui Smith fix the skills system?

Jacqui Smith’s unprecedented brief spanning the DfE and DWP signals ambition for a joined-up skills system. But without wider…

Jessica Hill
Dr Sue Pember
Skills reform

Colleges are bracing themselves for the Whitehall power shift

With skills policy moving to DWP, Ofsted unveiling a new framework and defence cash pouring in, this autumn could…

Jessica Hill
David Hughes
Ofsted

Ofsted’s reforms are a missed chance that won’t futureproof FE and skills

The inspection framework revamp touts inclusion and fairness but without industry insight and real focus on apprenticeships, FE will…

Jessica Hill
Kerry Boffey
Bootcamps

Bootcamps fray and wear thin as providers begin race to the bottom

As funding pressures mount and oversight gaps widen, the long-term future of bootcamps depends on better accountability and sustained…

Jessica Hill
Kerry Boffey
Assessment

Exams disadvantage the anxious and fail to prepare the crammers

Exams have long been the currency of education but in professional pathways such as HNDs this model feels increasingly…

Jessica Hill
Imran Mir
Training Providers

We must stop chasing unicorns and start valuing sustainability

The dominance of private equity and venture capital in FE is leaving behind quality, sustainability and learners. It’s time…

Jessica Hill
Nick Smith
The Staffroom – opinion

We’re reaching those young people who left the classroom behind

 As school avoidance and elective home education soar, thousands of young people risk falling through the cracks without qualifications….

Jessica Hill
Anne-Marie Francis

From our partners

ATAs

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, celebrating outstanding employers and providers with national recognition, a…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Sponsored post

Funding Adult Green Skills

New sources of funding are available to finance the delivery of green skills to all learners. Government policy is…

Tyler Palmer
Sabre Rigs
Sponsored post

Plan for change funding to drive green construction skills

The government has launched a new plan for change to address the skills deficit in the construction industry, providing…

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Sabre Rigs & Green Skills Solutions
Sponsored post

Reshaping the New Green Skills Landscape

The UK government is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape its skills landscape, placing a significant emphasis on…

Advertorial
Sabre Rigs & Green Skills Solutions
Sponsored post

Safe to speak, ready to act: SaferSpace targets harassment and misconduct in education 

In an era where safeguarding and compliance are firmly in the spotlight, education providers face a growing responsibility: to…

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SaferSpace
Sponsored post

Screening for the cognitive needs of apprentices is essential – does it matter if the process is engaging?

Engagement should be the first priority in cognitive assessment. An engaging assessment is an inclusive assessment — when cognitive…

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aptem.
Sponsored post

Skills Bootcamps Are Changing – What FE Colleges Must Know 

Skills Bootcamps are evolving as funding moves to local control and digital skills trends shift. Code Institute, an Ofsted…

Code Institute
Code Institute
Sponsored post

Building Strong Leadership for Effective T Level Implementation

Are you struggling with T Level curriculum and implementation, or building strong employer relationships? Do you want to develop…

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Education & Training Foundation

The latest sector transfers

Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 505

Val Shawcross Chair of Governors, Croydon College Start date: August 2025 Previous Job: Chief Executive, Crystal Palace Park Interesting…

Anviksha Patel
Anviksha Patel
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 504

Karen Dorow Charity CEO and College Principal, Lifeworks Charity Ltd Start date: June 2025 Previous Job: Head of College,…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 503

Carole Kitching Chair of Governors, West London College Start date: June 2025 Previous Job: Former Principal and CEO, New…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter
Movers and Shakers

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 502

Sharon Ryan Assistant Principal – Students, Bradford College Start date: June 2025 Previous job: Head of Disability Services, Bradford…

FE Week Reporter
FE Week Reporter

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