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

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Burnham's FE Speech: Groundhog Day Rhetoric Masks Radical Devolution Shift
Policy Jun 29, 2026

Burnham's FE Speech: Groundhog Day Rhetoric Masks Radical Devolution Shift

Andy Burnham's latest further education speech promises parity but signals a potentially radical transfer of power from Whitehall to local combined authorities. FE colleges face a narrow window to influence how devolution reshapes post-16 skills provision in Greater Manchester and beyond.

DWP ministers face MPs on benefits and employment support: Live updates
Policy Jun 29, 2026

DWP ministers face MPs on benefits and employment support: Live updates

Pat McFadden and DWP ministers are facing questions from MPs on departmental policies affecting families, young people and skills provision. The session covers welfare support, employment programmes and apprenticeships funding crucial for local authorities supporting vulnerable children and care leavers.

Digital language learning and the modern skills journey: David Sedaris on Duolingo
Education Jun 28, 2026

Digital language learning and the modern skills journey: David Sedaris on Duolingo

Author David Sedaris describes his intensive approach to language learning through digital platforms, combining daily exercise with studying Japanese, German, Spanish and French. His experience highlights both the accessibility of modern skill development tools and the potential for obsessive engagement with gamified learning applications.

Postgraduate debt crisis: Master's students facing 'life tax' of double loans
Skills & Employment Jun 27, 2026

Postgraduate debt crisis: Master's students facing 'life tax' of double loans

UK postgraduates are accumulating debts exceeding £77,000 as they combine undergraduate and master's loans to fund essential qualifications for their chosen careers. Many describe the repayments as a "life tax" that they will never clear, raising urgent questions about the affordability of higher education and its impact on social mobility.

Key Apprenticeships Tipped for Funding Rate Increases
Policy Jun 25, 2026

Key Apprenticeships Tipped for Funding Rate Increases

Certain apprenticeship standards are expected to see increased funding rates as the government responds to cost pressures in skills delivery. The changes, reported by FE Week, would affect provider income and local authority commissioning of training provision.

New Data Reveals Which University Degrees Deliver Highest Lifetime Returns
Skills & Employment Jun 25, 2026

New Data Reveals Which University Degrees Deliver Highest Lifetime Returns

Recent analysis sheds light on the significant variation in lifetime earnings across different university degree subjects. These findings offer valuable insights for young people considering their post-18 options and for local authorities advising on career pathways and skills development.

Quarter of UK graduates financially worse off from university degrees, IFS finds
Skills & Employment Jun 24, 2026

Quarter of UK graduates financially worse off from university degrees, IFS finds

New research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that approximately 25% of UK graduates may face negative financial returns from their university education, particularly those studying creative and performing arts subjects. While most graduates can expect to earn £100,000 more over their lifetimes, student loans and taxes mean a significant minority would have been better off financially without attending university.

London to Host WorldSkills UK National Finals 2027 with Call for Training Provider Entries
Skills & Employment Jun 24, 2026

London to Host WorldSkills UK National Finals 2027 with Call for Training Provider Entries

London has been announced as the host city for the WorldSkills UK national finals in 2027, bringing the prestigious vocational skills competition to the capital. The competition chief has issued a rallying call for more independent training providers to enter their learners, ensuring broader participation across the further education sector.

DWP reviews 30/70 funding split for larger apprenticeship units
Policy Jun 23, 2026

DWP reviews 30/70 funding split for larger apprenticeship units

The Department for Work and Pensions is reconsidering the 30/70 funding model for larger apprenticeship units following early feedback from providers. Kate Ridley-Pepper confirmed officials are actively exploring alternatives to address concerns about the financial burden on training providers.

Minister keeps apprenticeship funding restrictions 'not off the table'
Policy Jun 23, 2026

Minister keeps apprenticeship funding restrictions 'not off the table'

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith has indicated that further restrictions on apprenticeship funding, including potential age caps and defunding measures, remain possible despite not being actively planned "at the moment". The comments suggest ongoing uncertainty for further education providers and local authorities working to secure stable training pathways for young people.