ITPs Must Be Given the Tools to Deliver Post-16 Solutions at Scale
Independent Training Providers (ITPs) across the country are playing a critical and growing role in shaping the future of post-16 education. Whilst its well known…
Funding is a hot topic within FE, with colleges and institutes consistently saying they need more. To adapt to changing funding, FE institutions must diversify their sources through industry partnerships and grants, optimise resource allocation to prioritise key programs and use data to make decisions that maximise impact on students. Supporting educators during the cost of living crisis is vital to maintaining quality education. This can be done by providing financial assistance, offering professional development in financial literacy, and partnering with local businesses for educator discounts.
FE leaders have a critical advocacy role in securing more funding nationally. They should engage in lobbying, work with professional associations, use data to demonstrate the impact of funding on students and the economy and build relationships with policymakers to influence decisions. Technology can also play a crucial role in optimising resources and improving outcomes. Digital tools enhance teaching and learning, data analytics identifies areas for improvement, and AI and automation streamline admin tasks, allowing a greater focus on education.
The apprenticeship levy, a tax on UK employers with a pay bill over £3 million per year, funds apprenticeship training often delivered by FE colleges. Proposals for a broader skills levy could provide a boost to FE, but the details and potential impact remain unclear. Fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability is essential for navigating challenges.
The main funding bodies for FE in the UK are the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Office for Students (OfS).
The apprenticeship levy is a tax on UK employers with a pay bill of over £3 million per year. They pay 0.5% of their pay bill into the levy, which is then used to fund apprenticeship training often delivered by FE colleges.
The proposed skills levy would be similar to the apprenticeship levy but would fund a wider range of adult education and training. If introduced, it could provide a boost to FE funding, but the details and potential impact remain unclear.
Independent Training Providers (ITPs) across the country are playing a critical and growing role in shaping the future of post-16 education. Whilst its well known…
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been awarded £2.6 million in funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to support renovations at the Stafford…
Five years of practical innovation at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru has helped improve Welsh manufacturing, with businesses learning to work smarter, reduce…
Welcome to FE Soundbite Edition 791: 5th April 2025 | What does the £13.9 Billion R&D Funding Mean for Skills, Talent Pipelines and even Level…
More UK innovators like those developing treatment-transforming dementia tests or building world-leading testing facilities to power a greener planet are being backed through our record…
This is the time for apprenticeships to fly.” Andrew Pakes MP shares his vision for rebuilding Britain’s skills system. In this conversation, Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough…
With the government announcing cuts across the board in their Spring Statement, the UK economy is being hit hard by a number of global factors. This will…
As I reflect on my first 6 months in my newly created role as Minister for Further and Higher Education, I am continually struck by…
Charity calls on general FE and sixth form colleges to apply for funded opportunity The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has opened applications to join a…
The opening of an industry-standard engineering suite at Bradford College’s Trinity Green Campus has brought students one step closer to their dream job in the…
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
Notifications