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Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

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Policy 3 weeks ago

David Hughes: Colleges can reduce NEET rates with proper funding and early intervention

David Hughes argues that further education colleges are uniquely positioned to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training, yet systemic barriers including restrictive funding rules and poor local coordination limit their impact. The article highlights the urgent need for earlier intervention and greater collaboration between colleges, local authorities and employers to prevent vulnerable learners from disengaging entirely.

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Policy 3 weeks ago

Milburn Review: Schools Failing to Prepare Young People for Adulthood and Employment

A damning government review led by former minister Alan Milburn has found that England’s education system is failing to adequately prepare young people for adulthood, with urgent calls for schools to be held accountable for pupil destinations. The report highlights the growing crisis of young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), warning that current accountability measures neglect the crucial transition from classroom to career.

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Milburn review: Pay colleges for outcomes not headcounts
Policy May 28, 2026

Milburn review: Pay colleges for outcomes not headcounts

An interim review led by Alan Milburn has recommended overhauling how further education colleges are funded, shifting from payments based on enrolment and course completion to rewarding institutions that successfully help young people secure employment. The findings highlight concerns that the current post-16 system prioritises headcounts over meaningful preparation for the workforce, particularly for those at risk of becoming NEET.

NEET numbers could hit 1.25 million within five years, landmark review warns
Policy May 27, 2026

NEET numbers could hit 1.25 million within five years, landmark review warns

An independent review led by Alan Milburn warns that the number of young people not in education, employment or training could rise to 1.25 million within five years without urgent reforms. The findings call for fundamental changes across education, health and employment systems to prevent a generation of young people facing long-term economic exclusion.

New Chief Executive Appointed to Lead Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Education May 26, 2026

New Chief Executive Appointed to Lead Windsor Forest Colleges Group

Oliver Symons will take the helm at Windsor Forest Colleges Group this autumn, joining from Moulton College where he previously served in a senior leadership role. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for further education as colleges continue adapting to skills policy reforms and local labour market demands.

Mary Ward Centre progresses with Newham College merger
Education May 21, 2026

Mary Ward Centre progresses with Newham College merger

The Mary Ward Centre has moved closer to merging with Newham College, bringing together two key further education providers in London. The proposed merger aims to strengthen post-16 and adult learning provision whilst creating a more resilient institution for skills delivery.

Burnley Interprets 'Worsening' Student Data as Transparency Success
Education May 21, 2026

Burnley Interprets 'Worsening' Student Data as Transparency Success

Further education leaders in Burnley are viewing declining student performance metrics as evidence of improved honesty in self-assessment and quality assurance processes. The shift enables providers to identify specific support needs and target interventions more effectively within vocational pathways.

FE Commissioner intervenes as Tyne Coast College loses control of £96m campus
Policy May 21, 2026

FE Commissioner intervenes as Tyne Coast College loses control of £96m campus

The Further Education Commissioner has intervened at Tyne Coast College after the institution lost control of a major £96m campus building project. The crisis raises serious questions about governance and oversight in further education capital programmes, with significant implications for skills provision in the region.

Boston College placed under DfE notice to improve over finances and legal breach
Policy May 21, 2026

Boston College placed under DfE notice to improve over finances and legal breach

The Department for Education has issued a formal notice to improve to Boston College following the discovery of serious financial difficulties and an undisclosed legal breach. The intervention places the Lincolnshire further education institution under heightened scrutiny as it works to resolve governance and compliance failures.

Major Apprenticeship Provider Rated 'Needs Attention' Amid Completion Concerns
Education May 21, 2026

Major Apprenticeship Provider Rated 'Needs Attention' Amid Completion Concerns

Ofsted has rated Multiverse, England's largest apprenticeship provider, as 'needs attention' following concerns over low completion rates and excessive staff workload. The watchdog's intervention comes after the provider stopped new starts on its weakest programmes, raising questions about quality assurance in post-16 skills provision.

Association of Colleges secures £20m T Level teacher training contract
Policy May 19, 2026

Association of Colleges secures £20m T Level teacher training contract

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has been awarded a £20 million contract to deliver T Level teacher training, taking over from the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) this summer. The flagship continuing professional development (CPD) programme supports further education staff in delivering these technical qualifications that form a key part of post-16 skills pathways.

Learning Curve Group appoints Tracey Fletcher-Ray as new Chief Executive
Skills & Employment May 19, 2026

Learning Curve Group appoints Tracey Fletcher-Ray as new Chief Executive

National training provider Learning Curve Group has appointed Tracey Fletcher-Ray as its new Chief Executive Officer, filling the vacancy left by Brenda McLeish's departure earlier this year. The leadership change comes at a critical time for the skills sector as it navigates post-16 education reforms and apprenticeship provision across England.