brathay challenge apprentice winners

24 Pages·2016·4.93 MB·English

Award-winning journalism from the only newspaper dedicated to further education and skills FEWEEK.CO.UK | MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 | EDITION 178
FE judgement on medals of partnership key
new ofsted boss honour for fe for city mayor
Page 2 Pages 10 & 11 Page 15
See page 12
‘Inadequate’ colleges
double-digit disaster
>
Ofsted grade fours dished out to 10 colleges since September brathay challenge
>
English and maths policy the major and ‘unfair’ issue, says AoC apprentice winners
JUDE BURKE @JUDEBURKE77 See exclusive investigation on page 6 See page 17
RIGHT CHOICE,
RIGHT SUPPORT
Cambridge Technicals are your alternative to BTEC
Prepare, plan and deliver with confi dence and ease.
Take a look today at ocr.org.uk/cambridgetechnicals
2 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016
NEWS
Edition 178
Ofqual boss Amanda Spielman to take the helm at Ofsted
FE WEEK team
PAUL OFFORD
Editor: Nick Linford @PAULOFFORD cMhPiesf iinn sMpaercctohr t Shiart Mhei cbhealieelv Wedil 1sh6-a two ,1 w9-hyoea tro-ld Amanda Spielman’s CV:
Head designer: Nicky Phillips olds should be taught in schools rather than July 2011 – Chair, Ofqual
Designer: Russell Hardman The current chair of Ofqual, Amanda Spielman colleges, and that the FE sector was “in a June 2011 – Education advisor, Ark
DReeppourttye erds:i tor: PAaliuxl ROoffboerrdtson (ipniscpteucrteodr) o, hf Oasf sbteeedn, tahpep eodiuncteadti tohne s neecwre ctahriyef meSsisr” M. ichael’s comments, made during an 22000025 –– 22000142 CRoensesaurltcahn atnd policy director, Ark
Nicky Morgan has confirmed. appearance before the Commons Education
Billy Camden Ms Morgan made the announcement on Select Committee, provoked widespread anger 1996 – 2000 Strategy director, Nomura
Jude Burke Friday (June 10), and ministers will now wait across the FE sector. International
Photographer: Ellis O’Brien on agreement from the Commons education The education secretary said: “From helping 1995 – 1996 Principal, Mercer Management
Financials: Helen Neilly select committee for final approval. to set up one of the country’s top academy Consulting (Boston)
Victoria Boyle tolTdh FeE D Wepeaerkt mtheant ti tfo hra Edd sutacratteiodn (DfE) also chains, to Iancsttiintug taes o af cEoduunccaitli omne, mtob oevr efrosre tehien g A19n9al3y s–i 1s995, Director, Bridgewater Business
Sales manager: Hannah Smith recruiting for three new Ofsted our ambitious qualification
Administration: Frances Ogefere Dell board members and “the reform programme, Amanda 1986 – 1992, Manager in corporate finance,
advert for the roles listed has extensive experience Kleinwort Benson
FE experience as one of at the frontline of the 1982 – 1986, Accountant, KPMG UK (formerly
Contributors: Dr Sue Pember the desirable criteria”. education system. I KMG Thomson McLintock)
Martin Doel, chief know she is the right
Smita Jamdar
executive of the person to deliver.”
Marvin Rees Association of Colleges Current Learning her in her new role.
welcomed the news, and Work Institute boss “There is a good and honest dialogue
and said: “We offer our David Hughes, who will between Ofsted and AELP on how the delivery
congratulations to Amanda start as chief executive of the of work-based learning is inspected, and we
Managing director: Shane Mann Spielman. Association of Colleges at the hope that this will continue under Amanda’s
“This will be a new era for Ofsted start of 2016/17, also welcomed Ms leadership.”
And tweet us your thoughts @feweek
and we look forward to working with her Spielman’s appointment. The Commons education select committee
in the future and helping her to gain an He said: “Ofsted needs someone who can will now hold a “pre-appointment hearing”
Contact the editor
understanding of colleges and a sector that she lead a large organisation and be independent with Ms Spielman, on June 29 June.
Please inform the FE Week editor of any
has not worked closely with in the past. on policy issues – which I think Amanda has Its chair Neil Carmichael MP said: “The
errors or issues of concern regarding this
publication. “We are also interested in how the Ofsted shown well as chair of Ofqual.” chief inspector has an important duty in
board, that supports the new chief inspector, Mark Dawe, the chief exec of the Association raising standards in education and skills.
Email [email protected] with Error/ might be refreshed in order to ensure that of Employment and Learning Providers, added: We want to make sure that the government’s
Concern in the subject line.
it has more substantive further education “I found it easy to have very constructive preferred candidate has the necessary
Please include the page number and story
expertise than is currently the case.” discussions with Amanda when she chaired independence, skills and experience to be
headline, and explain what the problem is.
Mr Doel has been scathing of the current Ofqual, so I look forward to working with effective.”
Top two at Amersham and Wycombe College quit
subscribe
For an annual subscription to FE Week for
just £75 visit www.feweek.co.uk and click on JUDE BURKE
Ms Joseph and Mr Walker’s resignations the college was “working actively with the
‘subscribe’ at the top of the page. @JUDEBURKE77
come while the college remains stuck in funding agencies and the FE Commissioner
www.feweek.co.uk
administered status, following a visit from to secure the improvements we need in the
The chair and vice-chair of troubled the FE Commissioner last September. quality of our provision and finances; and the
ADVERTISE WITH US Amersham and Wycombe College have both The college was issued a financial notice structural change that will lead to a stronger
stepped down – but the college is of concern in March 2013, but Dr local provision for our stakeholders”.
If you are interested in placing a product or
refusing to say why. David Collins’ intervention “The governors and staff of the college
job advert in a future edition please click on
the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page on Jenese Joseph (pictured) was prompted after the are very much focussed on achieving these
feweek.co.uk or contact: was appointed chair of the Skills Funding Agency aims,” he added.
E: [email protected] college’s governing body said it had additional The college received a grade three overall
T: 020 81234 778 in May 2014, but her concerns over the – ‘requires improvement’ – rating in its most
name is now no longer college’s financial recent Ofsted report, published December
Disclaimer listed on the college’s controls. 2014.
website, and nor is that Dr Collins’ report FE Week understands that Ofsted
FE Week is owned and published by Lsect Ltd. The views
expressed within the publication are those of the authors of the former vice-chair highlighted a series inspectors have recently revisited the
named, and are not necessarily those of FE Week, Lsect Ltd or Andrew Walker. of problems including college.
any of its employees. While we try to ensure that the information
we provide is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot A spokesperson for the falling student numbers, as Amersham
guarantee the accuracy of our material. college confirmed that the pair well as “pressures on its main and
The design of the printed newspaper and of the website is
copyright of Lsect Ltd and material from the newspaper had resigned, but was tight-lipped funding streams, weak leadership Wycombe
should not be reproduced without prior permission. If you on the reason for their departure. and management and poor financial College is
wish to reproduce an article from either the printed paper or
the website, both the article’s author and FE Week must be Ms Joseph confirmed to FE Week that management”. involved
referenced (to not do so would be an infringement on copyright). she had resigned from her position, but also He found that “relationships between the in the
Lsect Ltd is not responsible for the content of any external
internet sites linked to. declined to give a reason for her decision. interim executive team and the governing Thames
Please address any complaints to the editor. We are fully She did reveal, however, that the college’s body are not strong, and could still be Valley area
committed to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of
Practice. If you have a complaint which cannot be resolved by interim principal, Felix Adenaike (pictured considered to be in a development phase”. review, part
the editor, write to the Press Complaints Commission, Halton right), had been put on “extended leave”. He continued: “For this reason it is felt of wave two
House, 22—23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD
The college would not be drawn on the that the college should not be left to manage of the area
fate of Mr Adenaike, telling FE Week: “We its own future, and should be put into review process,
Learning & Skills Events,
are unable to comment on internal staffing administered status.” which had its first
Consultancy and Training Ltd
matters.” Dr Collins also advised that the college’s steering group
161-165 Greenwich High Road
Mr Adenaike was deputy principal at the “longer term prospects” would be best meeting on
London SE10 8JA
college until he was appointed to the post of served by merging with another college. January
T: 020 8123 4778
E: [email protected] interim principal following the departure of When Dr Collins’ report was published in 21.
Mark Sellis in March last year. December, Mr Adenaike told FE Week that
FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 178 MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 3
NEWS
NAO will investigate BIS decision to close Sheffield office
PAUL OFFORD @PAULOFFORD
JUDE BURKE @JUDEBURKE77
The National Audit Office is to investigate
the government’s decision to close BIS’
Sheffield office. The Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills confirmed
last month that it will definitely close the
office — which could lead to around 250 civil
servants with expertise in the FE sector
losing their jobs — as part of plans to create
a combined London headquarters and
policy centre.
BIS claims the move would help save
£350m, amid wider plans to modernise the
department by 2020, but the Public and
Commercial Services (PCS) union has
PCS protesters
disputed this figure, in light of a leaked
government document, as reported on by FE examination of the overall 2020 programme costly for the government.” post in their current location until January
Week in April. of which the Sheffield decision is a part. BIS declined to comment directly on the 2018 and if they choose to take up a post in
The document suggested that the move “The study, subject to further scoping NAO move, but referred FE Week back to London there will be financial assistance for
could actually end up costing BIS £100,000 work, is likely to include the planning, a statement released by the government travel available for the first three years.
a year. Although the move would produce analysis and oversight of the programme.” justifying the closure in May. “More than 80 per cent of BIS staff will
potential savings of £1.5m through rent, Lois Austin, the PCS full-time official for In it, the department insisted that the still be based outside the capital.”
rates and maintenance, rail travel, BIS, who covers the Sheffield office, said move would “involve basing all policy roles Permanent secretary Martin Donnelly
and hotel stays, additional salary costs was delighted by the decision. in London by 2018 and closing the St Paul’s said: “Creating one policy centre in London
associated with London could run to £1.6m She said: “It’s really good news. We Place office in Sheffield”. and closing the BIS office in Sheffield in
per annum. definitely think it will be good if the NAO It added: “The decision was made by the 2018 is a decision that has not been made
The NAO has now confirmed to FE Week checks out the government figures, which permanent secretary and his executive lightly. It remains our top priority that staff
that it will probe the Sheffield decision, as we find hard to believe. Our members are board following consideration of alternative are fully supported and briefed on what this
part of a wider inquiry. not giving up on this. options and consultation with staff and the means for them and their options.
A spokesperson said: “We will be looking “We have already resorted to strike departmental trade unions, which ended on “We have talked and listened to staff and
at the implementation of the early stages action and will continue to press the case May 2. unions. Making a decision which impacts on
of the BIS 2020 programme. This is an that this closure would actually be far more “Everyone affected will be able to stay in people’s lives and families is never easy.”
SFA BOSS SCRAMBLES TO
AVERT STRIKE ACTION FULFIL

ambitions
OVER PAY CHANGES
PAUL OFFORD
@PAULOFFORD
The boss of the Skills Funding Agency, Peter
Lauener, has met with union officials amid WITH OUR ACTIVE PATHWAY
concern that staff anger over pay grade
changes could lead to strike action.
FE Week understands recent moves
to transfer SFA employees — who had
The new Level 3 Tech Level Diploma
previously been paid according to the
and Level 2 Technical Certificate
agency’s own gradings — over to general which has been done in consultation with
in Physical Activity, Fitness and
civil service salary bands have stirred up a the PCS union and our staff.” Exercise Science are now approved Designed in collaboration
huge amount of resentment. She added: “This process is not a cost- by the DfE for inclusion in the new with Active Leisure
A Public and Commercial Services saving operation. look 16-19 Performance Tables with employers and training
Union (PCS) spokesperson said it had left “PCS and staff have been engaged Level 3 accepted by UCAS for the providers, these
“many people feeling their role has been throughout the restructuring process, and as new tariff. qualifications will equip
students with the level
downgraded”, and raised concern about part of the process, Mr Lauener and senior
of knowledge, skill and
what affect this would have on future pay managers have met PCS officials regularly.”
ropoinfosfiTs eicshnsii.eadb lulusesn ostirntori naJikl uh eanasces,t ia9aon linrdn,e Mawadnhry iaL csthatteau cmreotnpeuedtl rd tc o mio nrnecestlb uuwuldtiiietlndh g stbArtapaaInrfntfd iis la,sf, e ttbu hrtunrhrteode dhue S ragoFsvhntAe otc o oehh dnaaa d ntdshege bdanee tsiu eo mipnrn a,oet gnrnxroyp aad eod ulcfeoc tt wieshndeeegv r s uet ilonnne vc hbpeeeaa l py.p-y OeRun(wRrea gEahbiPcilsleststi e)vty, re ota h oucnefrad y Esr gxleteueaeadrirrnc enp inws.atetsoh rPtwkor oa eayfxce pwcseseirlisloi sen ntahclsee cdaonirmde cphte igetehnnetrcry ee tdtohu seecyma ttnpioaeloney.drm fteonr t
bridges. The union spokesperson told FE Week
A spokesperson for the agency said: “The after the meeting: “Mr Lauener listened to
journey
SFA currently has a unique job grading our concerns and we are now waiting for
structure. him to come back to us with a response.
“As we are now an executive agency of “There is a lot of strong feeling about
Visit www.activeiq.co.uk or email Connect with us
the Department for Business, Innovation this among staff and we could be looking
[email protected]
and Skills, we are aligning with civil service at industrial action, including a possible
to start delivering from September 2016.
grades used across government, a process strike.”
4 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016
NEWS
Lincoln College retracts non-pay threat to agency staff
BILLY CAMDEN
@Billycamden
A college has gone back on its “threat” not
to pay part-time agency staff over delayed
student assessment work — after FE Week
made senior leaders aware of the dispute.
Twelve self-employed agency workers from
FE Resources, a “sub-company” of Lincoln
College, received an initial email on June
7 telling them they wouldn’t be paid until
additional work had been completed.
The email complained that student
assessments had not been “completed, marked
and tracked to schedule”, and warned that
the college would not authorise their May
timesheets “until your respective learning
skills leads have identified that [they] are up-
Lincoln College
to-date in relation to marking and tracking”.
George Reid, a public services lecturer who “Payment will be processed without payment for May was not designed to be then you won’t get any agency work next year.
received the email and has worked with the delay and the issue of incomplete student “threatening or to scaremonger”. “We’ve been treated really poorly. I go out of
college for eight years as an agency worker, assessments will be picked up through But Mr Reid told FE Week that he disagreed. my way to help and put the extra effort in and
alerted FE Week to the upset it had caused him our recognised performance management He said: “I’m really upset and disappointed yet all what happens is you get threatened.”
and others. channels.” by the email because this job is my livelihood. Sue Davis, a University and College Union
A college spokesperson said on Monday The initial “unauthorised” email “I have two young children and potentially regional official, said she was “not surprised”
(June 13) that senior managers had not been complained that “there are cases where losing out on that money was going to have a that “such an appalling incident” had
aware of the “unauthorised” email. student progress cannot be accurately drastic effect on my finances for the next three occurred, when staff were “stuck on casual
He said: “Although well intentioned and established at this point as assessments months.” and insecure contracts”.
motivated by improving learner outcomes, haven’t been completed, marked and tracked Mr Reid added it was “out of order” given She added: “These staff find themselves in
this email communication to a small number to schedule. the “threat” was only made to agency workers, a hire and fire culture more associated with
of staff did not reflect appropriate action in “It is imperative that student assessment not full-time employees. Sports Direct than an education system.
terms of managing performance. The email work is marked and tracked as a matter of He said: “It is totally unfair that we are “College staff should be on permanent
was not authorised by the senior management urgency at this point.” being treated differently to full-time staff. It contracts to allow them to plan their lives
team. It stressed that the warning over non- is picking on agency staff, and if you kick off properly and be treated with respect at work.”
Half apprenticeship assessment orgs unregulated by Ofqual
BILLY CAMDEN
Ofqual, otherwise known as the Office of
@Billycamden
Qualifications and Examinations Regulation,
does not necessarily have to monitor the new
Concerns have been raised over apprentice apprenticeship standards.
assessment organisations (AAOs) for This is a departure from the key role it
apprenticeship standards — after it emerged plays in overseeing traditional qualifications.
that half of those approved so far are not Last September, Ofqual’s executive director
regulated by Ofqual. for vocational qualifications, Jeremy Benson,
Only three AAOs have been approved by told FE Week: “We have said we will be
the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), which happy to regulate the end-point assessments
first began accepting submissions to the as qualifications [for new standards] if that’s
new register of apprenticeship assessment what they want us to do.
organisations (RoAAO) in March, in the last “There are other alternatives available and
three months — taking the total up to just 16. we are obviously going to be interested to see
Stephen Wright (pictured) , the chief what decisions the government makes over
executive of the Federation of Awarding the next few weeks and months in terms of
Bodies (FAB), told FE Week that 50 per cent how the quality assurance regime for the new
of AAOs are not regulated by Ofqual — apprenticeships is going to work.”
including the likes of the British Institute for Despite the slow nature of the approval
Non-Destructive Testing, BT PLC, Energy of standards and AAOs, the government is
& Utility Skills Ltd, Leicester College, and keen for more people to do them, with growth
Training 2000 Ltd. requests being offered to colleges and training
He insisted that this is a major concern, providers for the delivery of any of the new
saying: “We will be letting the learners down apprenticeship standards.
if the apprenticeship is not assessed to the But of the 16 approved AAOs, not all are
same level of validity, and valued to the same even open for business.
extent as any other high-stakes qualification.” BT was approved in September last year
Mr Wright said he was concerned about for the digital industries standard, but said in
the slow progress of the RoAAO tendering assigned to them. with only one. April it had no immediate plans to carry out
process. And 20 out of those 32 only have one AAO to “Our concern is that potential assessment assessments.
Analysis by FE Week of figures released choose from, again raising issues around lack organisations are put off by the difficulty of An SFA spokesperson said: “We review
in February revealed that 13 AAOs had of choice for employers. conducting the assessments. For example, a all applications we receive from the
been approved, but updated figures released Mr Wright said: “We are concerned number of the assessment strategies require organisations who choose to apply.
this month have shown that despite 108 with the number of AAOs being approved; panels of experts to observe individual “Any organisation that considers itself
apprenticeship standards being open to new there are still many standards without an learners.” suitable to conduct end-point assessment can
starts — just 32 (30 per cent) have 16 AAOs assessment organisation and many others The government has decided that choose to apply.”
FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 178 MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 5
NEWS
REBRAND TRAINEESHIPS AND SORT OUT THEIR FUNDING, STAKEHOLDERS SAY
ALIX ROBERTSON rate from traineeships to apprenticeships on Jessica Rexworthy, Should traineeships be renamed? Response Response Count
Percent
@ALIXROBERTSON4
June 3. head of learning and Yes - to pre-apprenticeships 29% 59
Figures obtained by FE Week through a skills at charity and Yes - to access to apprenticeships 25% 51
Yes - to entry to apprenticeships 7% 14
There is widespread support for renaming freedom of information request revealed that employer Fair Train, said: Yes(please suggest an alternative name) 9% 18
No 27% 54
the government’s traineeships scheme, just 450 (nine per cent) of 19- to 24-year-olds “The majority of learners
Don't know 4% 8
according to a new FE Week survey, which who finished traineeships in 2014/15 went and their parents/ TOTAL 204
found that over half of respondents wanted it on to start an apprenticeship, out of 5,200 carers don’t know what a
to called a ‘pre-apprenticeship’ or ‘access to completions. traineeship is. Yes - to pre-apprenticeships
apprenticeship’ scheme. The figure was slightly higher for under-19s “The push on
Yes - to access to apprenticeships
A total of 70 per cent of FE stakeholders — with 2,280 (31 per cent) of 7,400 completions marketing campaigns for
Yes - to entry to apprenticeships
we surveyed said traineeships should be progressing — but this still means that overall apprenticeships should
renamed, with 29 per cent favouring the ‘pre- progression to apprenticeships stands at just 22 be opened up to include Yes(please suggest an alternative name)
apprenticeship’ label, and 25 per cent choosing per cent. traineeships.”
No
‘access to apprenticeships’. Concern about poor progression onto The survey covered
However, only 16 per cent of respondents apprenticeships was also reflected in the a number of issues Don't know
supported the idea of creating a whole new pre- results of the survey, with 78 per cent of around traineeships,
apprenticeship programme in addition to the respondents agreeing that they saw it as a and received responses growth restrictions. However, the EFA funding
existing traineeships scheme. problem. from 204 FE Week readers from a range of is far better for cashflow.”
Judy Taylor, apprenticeship manager at Shadow skills minister Gordon Marsden backgrounds, including independent training The survey also asked participants whether
Southend Adult Community College said of a raised the issue at an FE Week parliamentary providers, colleges, local councils and charities. they thought it was a good idea to devolve the
potential rebrand: “’Pre-apprenticeship’ clearly debate on June 7, where he also criticised the Funding proved a topic that respondents funding decisions for traineeships for 19- to
promotes the pathway to apprenticeship, government for failing to raise awareness of were particularly concerned about, with 80 23-year-olds as part of the Adult Education
and gives value and purpose to a traineeship, the traineeships scheme. per cent saying the government should create Budget, but only 26 per cent agreed with the
rather than just completing a programme with Our survey results supported this — with a single funding pot for traineeships, as they suggestion.
no specific end point.” only nine per cent of respondents saying have done for apprenticeships. In response, a government spokesperson
The survey results come after FE Week they felt the government had done enough to A further 71 per cent answered that different concentrated on funding.
exposed severe weaknesses in the progression promote the programme. funding arrangements from the Education He said: “Traineeships is a programme for
Funding Agency (EFA) and the Skills Funding 16- to 24-year-olds that spans two different
BIS ADVERTISES EIGHT INSTITUTE
Agency (SFA) make traineeship funding overly departments’ funding arrangements.
complex. “The funding arrangements are in line with
FOR APPRENTICESHIPS BOARD
Jim Clarke, chief executive of Key the wider funding approach for each age group
Recruitment and Training, said: “We can only 16-18 and 19+.
SEATS – AT £15,000 PER ANNUM
receive funding from the EFA pot which is “By fitting traineeships within the
highly restrictive in growth. existing arrangements it actually simplifies
ALIX ROBERTSON subsistence costs incurred on UKCES “The SFA continues to fund 16-18 without administration and data requirements.”
@ALIXROBERTSON4 business” – raising questions over the
£15,000 salary offered by the Institute.
FE Week also why the advert stresses
The Department for Business, Innovation & that “this post is NOT regulated by The
Skills is recruiting eight board members for Commissioner for Public Appointments”. TheInclusion Circle
the new Institute for Apprenticeships, with The spokesperson said: “We will be
a salary of up to £15,000 available for each following an Office for the Commissioner of
Improving Further Education Provision for Students with High Needs
position. Public Appointments compliant process for
The advert has been posted on the cabinet the board.
office’s public appointment’ site, with a “This is the process followed for all Announcing the launch of The Inclusion Circle – a network of independent consultants in the
closing date of July 20. Interviews scheduled public appointments to ensure that they are FE Sector. We have previously worked for Ofsted for many years, and all have substantial
for September. based on principles of merit, openness and specialist experience of provision for students with high needs in all post-16 remits.
The jobs will be based in London, and fairness.”
successful applicants will be required to The spokesperson also confirmed that Our focus as consultants is on the improvement of provision, and on the fostering of good practice:
we want all students with high needs to have the best possible educational experience wherever they learn.
commit two days per month to “contribute the position of permanent chair for the IfA
We believe this means building on the unique abilities and potential of each student in preparation
across a range of the Institute’s strategic and this would be advertised “in due course”,
for the transition to an agreed destination.
governance issues”. following the appointment of former
It calls for applications from “senior Barclays chief executive Anthony Jenkins The requirement for all students with high needs to have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) provides
figures with expertise in business, employer as the shadow chair on June 9. an ideal opportunity to ensure high quality provision in all locations. With reference to the Special Educational
Needs Code of Practice (2015), based on the Children and Families Act 2014, we can provide a range of
representatives, academics, and other senior She declined to say what the chair would
individually tailored guidance, mentoring and support, to include the following:
representatives with expertise in particular be paid, but confirmed that the post will be
aspects of apprenticeships and skills”. regulated by the CPA.
The IfA’s responsibilities will include FE Week put these points to Mark A’Bear,
Developing Improving
Improving
approving standards and assessment plans, an expert who holds an MBE for school new provision the quality of
the effectiveness
and determining the level of government governance. for students specialist support, Improving
funBdoianrgd amveamilabbelres fwori ltlh aec ts taasn tdhaer Idnss.titute’s goHveer snaoirds: a“Treo dcoamy ipnle stcehlyo ovlosl uanndta croyl laengde s, winthee hdisgh tIhmep qruovailintgy of rmoefco ponrriodtoginrriegns agsnd and usptasffkilling lmethaaden eqarusghaelmiipty ea nontfd,
of teaching, in particular
governing body. I would say that they already commit
learning and A safeguarding
FE Week asked the Department for probably more than two days per month to assesment full review
Business, Innovation and Skills how the their role. of provision
roles at IfA would compare to the work of “To pay somebody to undertake a role
board members do for the UK Commission like this could well attract the wrong type of
As consultants in The Inclusion Circle we aim to work regionally, and to share and promote good practice
for Employment and Skills (UKCES), which, people and drive the wrong behaviour.”
across the country. Our network will consist of consultants who have current, specialist knowledge, and who
according to the Treasury, will cease its He added: “It’s the softer aspects of a
share the aims of our Circle.
work from 2016/17 when the Institute is fully skillset that determine whether a governing
functional. body is successful and effective; if you just
The following three lead consultants are currently available for commissions:
A spokesperson said that, in terms of pluck people out of industry without the ELAINE CLINTON JOYCE DEERE MARGARET HOBSON
remuneration for their roles, the UKCES right motivation or any understanding of
board members are “eligible to claim the education sector they could actually do
[email protected] www.theinclusioncircle.com
an allowance of £4,000 plus travel and more harm than good.”
The Inclusion Circle FE Week_PRINT.indd 1 15/06/2016 14:52
6 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016
NEWS
colleges grade 4 double-digit disaster
JUDE BURKE First day of Previous
exclusive FROM FRONT
College Grade Ofsted summary of key findings said:
@JUDEBURKE77 inspection grade
The number of FE colleges to have been Too few learners aged 16 to 18 who retake their English
Telford College of Arts and
branded ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted since 03/05/2016 4 2 or mathematics GCSE, and too few adults who retake
Technology
September has hit double figures, exclusive English GCSE, achieve an A* to C grade.
FE Week analysis has revealed.
College leaders have blamed the
government’s increased focus on English Strategies introduced by the previous leadership team
and maths, pinning what they call “unfair” Stafford College 09/02/2016 4 3 to improve English and mathematics provision have
expectations on colleges for the rise in grade been largely ineffective.
fours.
Ten colleges have now been handed the
lowest possible grade from the education The teaching of English and mathematics is not good
watchdog since the introduction of the City of Bristol College 26/01/2016 4 3 enough, with a very low proportion of learners
new common inspection framework in successfully achieving qualifications in these subjects.
September, compared to five in the same
period last year.
The most recent of these was Telford Success rates in English and mathematics for 16 to 19
Mid-Cheshire College of
College of Arts and Technology (TCAT), 19/01/2016 4 1 year olds, and the development of learners’ English and
Further Education
which had its Ofsted report published on mathematics skills are poor.
Tuesday (June 14).
All 10 colleges were slammed by inspectors
for their English and maths provision, with
Too few learners aged 16 to 19 who retake GCSE maths
criticism in these areas appearing in the key North Shropshire College 26/01/2016 4 3
or English successfully achieve an A* to C grade.
findings on all 10 reports.
When shown FE Week’s figures, Gill
Clipson (pictured), deputy chief executive
of the Association of Colleges said: “It is The quality of provision in mathematics and English is
Greenwich Community
unfair to expect colleges to help young people 19/01/2016 4 4 inadequate and the proportion of learners gaining
College
achieve the necessary grade C in GCSE qualifications in these subjects is low.
English and maths in one year, when they
have not been successful after 11 years in
school.” The proportion of learners on 16 to 19 study
She added that “it is expected” Ofsted City College Coventry 24/11/2015 4 3 programmes who develop good skills in English and
would focus on English and maths as mathematics remains too low.
improving standards in these areas “is a key
government policy”.
In English and mathematics, too few learners achieve a
“The colleges that do well in inspections
Ealing, Hammersmith and grade C or better in GCSE qualifications, and too few
are those that can prove that their students, 13/10/2015 4 3
West London College learners and apprentices pass functional skills
regardless of their starting point, have
qualifications.
progressed during their studies,” she
continued.
David Russell, chief executive of the
Teachers do not develop students’ skills in English and
Education and Training Foundation, agreed West Cheshire College 22/09/2015 4 3
mathematics well enough.
that Ofsted was “placing more emphasis on
maths and English in the 16-to-19 phase”.
“It is a huge government priority, and
an area where colleges have a massive The proportion of learners who achieve the
challenge,” he said. Stanmore College 22/09/2015 4 3 qualifications that they need in English and
“Ofsted has no alternative but to say what
mathematics is unacceptably low.
they see; and in our view many colleges are
under-resourced in key ways to deliver the
high expectations that government rightly Since 2013, colleges have showed that four colleges had lost their The unrepentant Ofsted boss is likely
has of them,” he continued. been required to enrol all top grade since September – including to feel that these grade fours vindicate his
Mr Russell said that, while funding was learners who don’t already Accrington and Rossendale College, comments to the Commons education select
an issue, “the bigger challenge is recruiting, have at least a grade C in which dropped to grade three on committee in March, when he said the FE
training and retaining enough teachers with English and maths on Tuesday (June 14). sector was “in a mess — that’s why the
the right skills and experience to teach maths courses in these subjects. The quality of English and government is reviewing it”.
and English to young people who have not The requirement maths provision is an issue for There have so far been 51 full inspections
yet succeeded in them”. is part of the study three out of those four colleges. of general FE colleges since September, a rise
Mark Dawe, chief executive of the programmes, which were This comes at a bad time for FE, of 13 on the same period last year.
Association of Employment and Learning introduced following a after chief inspector Sir Michael Of these, 20 colleges have been rated ‘good’
Providers, also criticised Ofsted’s inspection recommendation by Professor Wilshaw caused uproar in the – an increase of seven from this time last
methods of maths and English within Alison Wolf in her 2011 sector when he told year.
traineeships. review of MPs he believed TCAT’s interim principal Jo Lomax said
He complained about providers “being vocational 16 to 19-year- the college was “extremely disappointed” by
given ‘required to improve’ gradings by education, the olds should its inadequate grading.
Ofsted based solely on English and maths Wolf Report. be taught in Accrington and Rossendale’s principal Sue
outcomes, as Ofsted is not willing to accept FE Week’s schools, not Taylor told FE Week: “We accept the outcome
destination data as robust evidence”. analysis also colleges. of Ofsted’s visit”.
FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 178 MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 7
It’s time to create national digital skills colleges, MPs say
JUDE BURKE
@JUDEBURKE77
The government should work with the FE
sector to create a network of digital skills
colleges across the country, a group of MPs
has said.
This is one of a number of
recommendations made by the Commons
science and technology select committee in
its Digital Skills Crisis report, published on
Monday (June 13), based on the findings of
a recent inquiry into what needs to be done
to overcome the digital skills gap in the
workplace, education and apprenticeships.
The proposed new digital colleges should
“replicate the National College for Digital
Skills model across the country”, the report
said.
The National College for Digital Skills “emphasise the need for more digital skills of modern apprenticeships.” employers to credential skills because
is one of new five employer-lead colleges components in all apprenticeships, not just The new report came on the same day that we cannot wait for our cumbersome
to receive government funding to boost ‘digital apprenticeships’, to gear them to the the House of Lords debated its digital skills qualification system to keep up.”
specialist skills for certain industries. It is needs for jobs across the economy” and “make select committee report, Make or Break: The And Lady Morgan (pictured), chair
due to launch in September. digital skills the focus of its three million UK’s Digital Future, which was published in of the digital skills committee, said that
The report also called for digital skills apprenticeship target”. February last year. current vocational qualifications “are not
to be made one of the core components Nicola Blackwood MP, the chair of the During the debate, a number of peers necessarily what business wants, nor are
of all apprenticeships – not just digital science and technology select committee, reiterated a recommendation from the they fully understood by business”.
apprenticeships. urged the government to take “concerted report, that vocational qualifications must She urged the government to publish
The MPs cited evidence from the Tech action” to ensure “tomorrow’s workforce” has to be made more responsive to the needs of its digital skills strategy, which was due
Partnership — which has developed a number “the digital skills that employers need”. business. out earlier this year but which has not yet
of new Trailblazer standards in digital skills She said: “The government deserves credit Lord Knight of Weymouth, who is also appeared.
— that the number of starts on digital degree for action taken so far but it needs to go much chair of digital inclusion charity the Tinder Such a strategy should “include full
apprenticeships had increased by 21 per cent further and faster. Foundation, called for “much more agility in details of soft infrastructure — education
in 2014/15, to 17,000. “We need action on visas, vocational the skills system”. and skills — as well as hard infrastructure”,
But they said the government should training and putting digital skills at the heart He said: “Increasingly we will need she said.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
over 100 vital cpd
sessions for you &
JULY 7-8, 2016
your colleagues
VITAL CPD FOR PROFESSIONALS
WORKING IN THE FURTHER
EDUCATION AND SKILLS SECTOR
REGISTER TODAY:
ONE DAY £25 | TWO DAYS £40
VISIT FESTIVALOFSKILLS.CO.UK FOR THE FULL SESSION LINE-UP. MORE SESSIONS T.B.A.
SAVE 20 PER CENT IF YOU BOOK BEFORE END OF JUNE. USE CODE: FEWEEKJUNE
GROUP BOOKING DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISATIONS, DEPARTMENTS AND TEAMS.
HEADLINE PARTNER LEAD STRATEGIC PARTNER BROUGHT TO YOU BY
@SKILLSFESTIVAL | #SKILLSFEST
[email protected]
FESTIVALOFSKILLS.CO.UK
8 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016
NEWS
All agreed in Somerset college merger – except for the name
education in Somerset.”
Somerset College had already been
developing plans to merge with nearby
Bridgwater College when the FE
Commissioner, Dr David Collins, was
JUDE BURKE
called into the college over financial
@JUDEBURKE77
concerns last July.
His only recommendation was that the
merger plans should be supported.
Confirmation of the formal merger
comes ahead of the Somerset, Devon,
Two colleges in Somerset have completed a Cornwall and Isles of Scilly area review,
merger — but still appear to be struggling to which is due to start in November.
agree on a new name. Three more college link-ups have also
Somerset College and Bridgwater College emerged, in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and
officially became a single body on Tuesday Kent.
(June 14). One of these is between Accrington
But a joint statement indicated that and Rossendale College, and Burnley
co-operation between them could still be College – both in Lancashire. “This is aligned with government strategic together, we can deliver the most effective
improved upon – as no new name had been The region is part of the fourth wave of direction and the national area review education for the benefit of our students.”
agreed. area reviews, with a proposed start date of process for further education colleges.” Colin Carmichael, the chair of Canterbury
A spokesperson for the colleges did not September. Canterbury College and East Kent College College, said: “This closer partnership with
say why the newly merged institution had Accrington and Rossendale College have also announced a partnership that would East Kent is an obvious decision for us to
no name, or whether it had submitted any saw its Ofsted rating drop this week from see the two colleges led by a single principal. make.”
options to the Department for Business, ‘outstanding’ to ‘requires improvement’, Graham Razey, East Kent’s principal, will Meanwhile, it has been reported in local
Innovation and Skills (BIS) for approval. following its first inspection since 2009. take over the reins in Canterbury following media that Barnsley College has approved a
The two colleges would continue under Burnley College was rated ‘outstanding’ at the retirement of current principal Alison merger proposal with Doncaster College.
their existing names “for the next few its most recent inspection in 2009. Clarke at the end of July. Both colleges are part of the ongoing
months”, the spokesperson confirmed. A representative of Accrington and Both colleges are in Kent, which is part of Sheffield area review.
A BIS spokesperson would only say that the Rossendale confirmed the two colleges were an area review due to start in November. Paul Pascoe, Doncaster College’s chair, said
department had “no update at this stage”. in talks. Beverley Aitken, East Kent’s chair, no decision had yet been made by the college.
Mike Robbins, principal-designate of the “In line with many colleges in Lancashire, described her college’s relationship with A spokesperson for Barnsley College said
new institution and the current Bridgwater Burnley College and Accrington and Canterbury as “productive”. it would not be issuing a statement until after
College principal, said: “This merger is Rossendale College are discussing the She added: “We are confident that we will the next area review steering group meeting,
an important step for further and higher possibility of collaboration,” he said. demonstrate that by working more closely due on June 16.
Nearly two thirds of sixth form colleges consider acadamisation
JUDE BURKE
@JUDEBURKE77
Almost two thirds of sixth form colleges
have registered an interest in converting
to an academy, FE Week can exclusively
reveal.
Around 60 of the country’s 93 SFCs have
taken this first step, according to James
Kewin, deputy chief executive of the Sixth
Form Colleges Association.
Registering an interest with the Education
and Skills Funding Agencies is the first stage
in the process of converting to an academy.
The news comes after two SFCs in
Hampshire unveiled plans on June 9 to set
up a multi-academy trust (MAT).
Richard Taunton SFC in Southampton,
and St Vincent College in Gosport,
announced a new “working partnership”
between the two, with a view to launching colleges that they share the same vision, arising from the review”, the guidance said. academise would “probably look at” the
the new MAT by September 2017. ethos and values, so when I learned about SFCs have the option to convert either as option of setting up a MAT.
Both SFCs are part of the Solent area MATs, I immediately thought this would be a standalone academy (SAT), or as a MAT – He said the advantages of that option were
review, which has yet to publish its final a perfect fit.” either by joining an existing MAT or setting twofold: “Firstly you’re establishing it on
recommendations. The chancellor George Osborne up a new one. your terms and secondly you’ve got scope
Richard Taunton principal Alice announced in November that SFCs would Mr Kewin told FE Week that it was “too then for other institutions to join you over a
Wrighton said: “We are really excited about be able to convert to academy status which early to say” how many SFCs would be period of time.”
this opportunity. would allow them to no longer have to pay setting up a MAT. Mr Kewin said the SFCA gathered the
“As we are the first colleges in the VAT. He said: “In terms of the detail of whether information on registrations of interest from
South to set out to develop an SFC MAT Guidance published by the Department that’s a MAT or a SAT, or whether it’s with discussions with members.
framework, we will be defining our own for Education in February said that schools, you have to give an indication of As previously reported by FE Week, East
unique working model.” academisation would only be available to that through the area review process, but Norfolk SFC, Lowestoft SFC and Paston SFC
Matt Atkinson, the St Vincent’s principal, SFCs as part of the area review process. there’s an additional process you have to go – all part of last year’s pilot area review in
who formerly held the top job at Richard Applications for academisation would be through about actually applying.” north east Norfolk and north Suffolk – are in
Taunton, said: “I know from my roles at both judged “alongside other recommendations But he said most SFCs that decide to talks about forming a MAT in the future.
BUILT
IN
OUTSTANDING
SUPPORT
We are committed to supporting
you as you teach our Entry Level,
GCSE, AS and A Level Computer
Science qualifications. From FREE
teaching and learning resources
and Subject Specialist advice, to
CPD training courses and events
plus much more. With this support,
you can focus on delivering exciting
and engaging Computer Science
lessons to your students.
If you want outstanding Computer Science teaching support
call us on 01223 553998 or visit ocr.org.uk/supportingcomputerscience
10 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016
FEATURE
FE HIGH ACHIEVERS RECOGNISED IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST
College principals snubbed as governors and an independent training boss take limelight
JUDE BURKE
principals in England have been named in an director Jill Whittaker, in 2006. college leaders across the UK.”
@JUDEBURKE77
honours list. Ms Serna’s CBE was for services to FE. Josie Teasdale (known professionally
Mr Hyde said: “I am delighted to accept this She told FE Week: “I am deeply honoured as Josie Thirkell), lately chair at Barnsley
Principals of general FE colleges in England award on behalf of all my staff at HIT and other and very proud that I am being recognised for College, and Mark White, chair designate of
have been snubbed in this year’s Queen’s colleagues working to deliver apprenticeships a role that I consider it a privilege to be able to Stockton Riverside College and chair of the
Birthday honours – with FE governors and and upskill the country. undertake. Association of Colleges’ Governors Council
independent training provider boss John Hyde “The satisfaction for me is seeing employees “I have been a board member for eight years received OBEs.
taking the limelight. in the hotel and catering sector gain skills, and chair for five years now and have found Keith Brown, College of North East London
Executive chairman of HIT Training and confidence and competence through their working towards enriching the lives of young chair, got an MBE.
regular FE Week columnist Mr Hyde was apprenticeship to improve their life chances people through training and education a deeply This year’s birthday honours list also
given a CBE, as was Lincoln College chair of and earning potential.” rewarding and life enhancing experience.” includes recognition for 11 heads of schools,
governors Margaret Serna. His award came as recognition of his Mr Trobe, interim general secretary of the academies or multi-academy trusts, along with
The only other person with close links to the services to the FE and training sectors in a Association of School and College Leaders, two sixth form college principals.
sector to receive the high-ranking medal was career that has lasted more than 30 years, most received his CBE for services to education. The lack of recognition for general FE
interim general secretary of the Association of recently at HIT. He told FE Week: “I am delighted to have college principals is in marked contrast to
School and College Leaders, Malcolm Trobe. He co-founded the hospitality and care sector received this honour both personally and in last year’s birthday honours which saw the
This was the first time since FE Week was training and apprenticeship provider rated terms of the recognition it gives to ASCL’s principal of City and Islington College, Frank
launched in 2011 that no general FE college good by Ofsted last year — alongside managing work in representing the voice of school and McLoughlin, receive a knighthood.
Here’s our list of FE and skills-related people who have been recognised:
E E E
B B B
C JOHN C MARGARET C MALCOLM
ALLAN HYDE JOAN SERNA JAMES TROBE
executive chair, Lincoln interim general
chairman, College and secretary, The
Hospitality managing director, Association
Industry Training – Thames Group of School and
for services to the (UK) Ltd – for College Leaders
FE and training services to FE – for services to
sectors education
E E E
B OLUSEYI B JULIAN B PAULINE
O OLUYchEieMfO Ie xB(eSAcEuKtYiIvNIe), mstrong O APCPHLEAYRALREDS O principHal,A NGoErtNh
CoCmemnitsrseipooni nfot,r cEommpmloisysmioennetr ,a UnKd Harriet Ar Foprmrin Ccioplalel,g Reo, Lcahndcaales hSiirxet h– PonEteafsrta cWt a–k feofrie slde rCvioclelesg teo,
Skeilmls p–l ofoyrm seenrvt iacneds thoo ymoeultehs ssnkeilslss, Photo: for services to education education
E E E
B MARK B SIMON PAUL B ENID JOSIE
O WHITE O BLAGDEN O TEASDALE
Chair Designate, MBE Chairman, Fujitsu (THIRKELL)
lately chair of governors,
Stockton Riverside College, UK – for services to the
Barnsley College – for
for services to education economy and skills
services to education in
particularly in Teesside. South Yorkshire
E E E
B ROBERTA ANN B ANTHONY B ALISON
O MCCLELLAND O GERARD LARKIN O MARGARET
deputy director, reforming lately director of BOULTON
FE provision, Department for business and enterprise, lately chief executive,
Business, Innovation and Skills – Royal National College for the Association of National
for services to FE and vocational Blind – for services to FE and Specialist Colleges – for services
education disability sport to education
MBE’s
SALLY ANN OBERTELL
KEITH CHARLES BROWN JENNIFER JOHNSON
director of marketing, relationships and
chair, College of North East London – for chief executive officer, Kids Allowed – for
communications, John Ruskin College,
services to FE services to apprenticeships
South Croydon – for services to Education
ANDREW PAUL MORRIS
CHRISTIAN JAMES NOTLEY
SALLY ANNE EVANS Teacher, Westcroft Sports and Applied
UK Training Manager, Worldskills – for
co-founder, Trinity Specialist College, Learning College and founder, Timken
services to the World Skills Competitions in
Birmingham – for services to education Vocational Training Centre and Sunbeam
Leipzig 2013 and Sao Paulo 2015.
Enterprises – for services to special education.