Award-winning journalism from the only newspaper dedicated to and skills FEWEEK.CO.UK | FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 | EDITION 240

milton: WE’RE NOT OFSTED make £400,000 Ex-adviser lays 7 PROPPING UP failure Grade 2 saving 8 9 + into the levy Pages 7 and 12 Page 8 4 Page 8 5 6 - 1 2 3 . REVEALED: THE 0 = 441 providers THAT LEFT £73m aeb unSPent > Association of Colleges blames ‘restrictive’ rules and low funding rates for shortfall last year Last year’s highest-paid > ESFA quietly offers colleges principal? ‘Bumper’ ways to soften impact of another £67k increase took Matt allocation shortfall in 2017/18 Hamnett to £294,000

Exclusive investigation Jude burke @judeburke77 See page 9 Exclusive Jude burke @judeburke77 See page 5

AutomaticAutomatic learner learner feedback feedback is is now now available available for for maths maths and and English English online online assessments! assessments! Automatic learner feedback is now available for maths and English online assessments! VisitVisit ncfe.org.uk/automated-feedback ncfe.org.uk/automated-feedback to to find find out out more more Visit ncfe.org.uk/automated-feedback to find out more 2 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Edition 240 Meet the news team feweek.co.uk

Contributors Nick Linford Paul Offord EDITOR DEPUTY EDITOR

@NICKLINFORD @PAULOFFORD [email protected] [email protected] Anne Please inform the FE Week editor of any errors or issues of concern regarding this publication. Milton Moulton College boss out Cath Murray Tom Mendelsohn after inspectors brand it Page 16 FEATURES EDITOR SUB EDITOR as ‘unsafe and sloppy’ Page 4 @CATHMURRAY_ @TOM_MENDELSOHN [email protected] [email protected] Professor Ewart Keep

Billy Camden Jude Burke SENIOR REPORTER SENIOR REPORTER Page 16

@BILLYCAMDEN @JUDEBURKE77 [email protected] [email protected] CITB finds most Carillion apprentices new employers Jo Page 6 Maher Pippa Allen- Sam King Kinross FEATURES AND REPORTER DIGITAL REPORTER Page 17

@PIPPA_AK @KINGSAMANTHA_ [email protected] [email protected]

The team

Head designer: Nicky Phillips Designer: Matthew Willsone Shane Mann Photographer: Ellis O’Brien Catholic SFCs demand Financials: Helen Neilly MANAGING DIRECTOR

Sales Team Leader: Bridget Stockdale @SHANERMANN protections before Administration: Frances Ogefere Dell [email protected] FEATURED PA to managing director: Victoria Boyle academisation window CAMPUS ROUND-UP Head of funding and assessment: Gemma Gathercole closes Page 7 Page 19

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To apply, please visit our vacancy page at £35,000-£40,000• Deliver 16-10 Study Programme objectives DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE http://9nl.es/x7lc http://www.trafford.ac.uk/about-us/jobs • Drive recruitment to 16-19 Study Programmes FE WEEK IS PROUD • Drive continuous improvement in 16-19 performance measures TO BE A MEMBER OF Closing date for receipt of applications: • Ensure the College meets all safeguarding, student support and careers advice and Monday 16 April at noon guidance • Driving student attainment in English and mathematics STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE Learning & Skills Events, HEAD OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT Consultancy and Training Ltd £35,000-£40,000 DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE http://9nl.es/g6m9 161-165 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA T: 020 8123 4778 TO ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY WITH EDUCATION WEEK JOBS AND FE WEEK E: [email protected] PLEASE CALL 020 81234 778 OR EMAIL [email protected] FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 240 FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 3 News Repayments for 100s of loans scandal victims deferred to next April

repayments have been deferred for the tax Sector leaders and key political figures including Gordon Marsden Paul Offord year 2018/19,” said a spokesperson. (centre) at the campaign’s parliamentary launch @Paulofford Exclusive Repayments had already been delayed for 12 months until the end of March £8,000, but no prospect of completing their happened to these learners,” he said. ebt repayments from hundreds of 2018, under the pressure exerted by our qualifications. “It still leaves them with uncertainty and victims of an FE loans scandal have #SaveOurAdultEducation campaign. A further 10 learners were left in the lurch worries over what happens with their loans, D been deferred for another 12 months. FE Week reported last September that when a fourth provider went bust in the which the DfE has still failed to address or FE Week has been coordinating a just 112 of the 344 students affected by the summer of 2016, FE Week has learned. write off.” campaign to have the advanced learning collapse in 2016 and 2017 of John Frank The Education and Skills Funding Agency FE Week has been demanding action since loan debt written off for blameless former Training, Edudo, and Focus Training, had said it has “no record” of learners from January last year. Asim Shaheen, 50, is one learners whose training providers folded been transferred to other providers. Pursuit Training Ltd transferring to other of the former John Frank Training learners unexpectedly and who training providers to who was unable to complete his qualification have been unable to complete their course. but who still owes £8,000. finish their courses – The letters confirming The ESFA offered to send him to South often leaving them owing the latest 12-month Cheshire College to complete his training at thousands of pounds. deferment were only sent the time, but this wasn’t viable because it is The government still to former learners last over 20 miles from where he lives. refuses to cancel the loans month. He still feels that he has been “left outright, but the Student Shadow skills minister completely in the lurch” and thinks the Loans Company has now Gordon Marsden has been ESFA and SLC should have updated him deferred repayments until lobbying the government and other former learners much earlier on April next year. As of February this year, just 17 more had to write the loans off through Parliament, what was happening with their loans for “Following instruction from Department been found alternative providers. and insisted this must still happen. the upcoming financial year. “There’s no for Education, we have written to those This means that the rest still have “Whilst this action is a start, it is not way that we should not be left with loans if students affected advising that their loans debt, some of which have topped acceptable as a proper solution to what has there’s nothing to show for it,” he added. ‘Last resort’ IfA quality-assures almost half of all standards

to be chosen “only in instances where Jude Burke alternatives are not viable”. @Judeburke77 According to the latest Education and Skills Funding Agency figures, the IfA is he Institute for Apprenticeships is now named on 113 fully-approved standards. the external quality-assurance provider That’s almost as many as the other options T for a massive 45 per cent of all fully- combined: 49 standards name the employer- approved apprenticeship standards, even designed model, while Ofqual is named on though it sees itself as the option of last 33 and a professional body is named on 31 resort. standards. This makes it by far the most popular One standard names a professional body option among employer groups developing partnered with the exams regulator, and the the new apprenticeships, through a service Quality Assurance Agency, which regulates provided on its behalf by Open Awards, some degree apprenticeships, is named on whose contract has just been extended by six eight standards. months from its original March end-date. A further 19 standards are yet to have a “We have a contract in place with Open named EQA provider. Awards to deliver EQA on our behalf until The IfA’s share of the market has more Recruiting the right staff September 2018,” an IfA spokesperson told FE than doubled since FE Week reported on the Week. issue in August last year, when it stood at 19 doesn’t have to be hard… The institute has been keeping this per cent. provision “under review” and would “assess A spokesperson denied that the IfA was Getting quality staff at the right time is paramount to these arrangements” nearer the end of the worried by its popularity, and insisted it was effective delivery – is your workforce geared up? contract period, she said. “focused on delivering a high-quality service EQA is the process that ensures for our customers”. • Temporary & permanent teaching staff • Senior & Management Search apprenticeship assessments are consistent The IfA is in “regular dialogue” with • Tutors, Trainers and Assessors • Online DBS checking and reliable, and that they deliver the right Open Awards “to ensure that they have the • Learning support • Staff management software solutions outcomes. resources in place to deliver EQA”. The IfA is one of four options from which “We are confident that the current • Office & support staff employer groups can choose to provide this arrangements are appropriate and sufficient. service. We will continue to review our model for T: 0115 911 1100 E: [email protected] www.protocol.co.uk According to the Department for delivering EQA and the resource behind this Education’s strategic guidance, published in as end-point assessment numbers continue to April 2017, the IfA was originally intended grow,” the spokesperson insisted. 4 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 News Moulton College boss out after inspectors brand it as ‘unsafe and sloppy’

was “proud” of his time at the college and Billy Camden the “foundations that have put in place for @Billycamden Exclusive recovery are being evidenced by improved outcomes for our students”. he principal of a Northamptonshire “However, the time is now right for the Moulton College’s main campus in Moulton village college has resigned after it was labelled college to look towards a different leadership T“unsafe” by Ofsted in a damning grade approach, so I will relinquish my post with not wear appropriate eyewear when cutting as soon as practicable”. four report. effect from April 30,” he added. bricks, and staff do not adequately supervise Moulton College fell to a grade three in 2016 Stephen Davies stepped down from Moulton “I feel honoured and privileged to have students with complex needs during water- from grade one. College this week in the wake of a shocking worked with such a brilliant group of staff based activities in the swimming pool,” the It also ran into financial difficulties during report, which said learners, including those whose hard work and commitment has helped report stated. his time in post. It has a turnover of around with high needs, were in danger. to change the lives of many thousands of In equine yards, gates were “left open” and £25 million but got a financial notice of He took on the job in 2011 when the young people and adults.” a teacher “demonstrated unsafe practice” concern from the ESFA in January 2017. specialist land-based college was rated Moulton College has onsite accommodation when tacking up a horse. At the time its bank loans totalled ‘outstanding’, but it has since seen a gradual and delivers programmes in “highly Mr Davies said in a statement last week nearly £20 million after it made significant decline in standards to the bottom. dangerous vocational areas” such that his team had moved quickly investment to improve the college estate. The FE commissioner Richard Atkins is as construction, equine studies ensure effective safeguards were Moulton was subsequently subject to understood to have been urgently summoned animal management, sport, and being put in place to protect intervention from the FE commissioner – in to ensure the college is a safe place to learn. food and drink manufacturing. learners. whose report found leaders had been “too “Following its disappointing recent Ofsted Inspectors found a “number But the mounting pressure slow” to address poor financial performance. inspection, Moulton College’s principal of serious breaches” to health against him following a turbulent However, its financial health went back to Stephen Davies has offered his resignation, and safety regulations and a seven years in charge appears to ‘satisfactory’ at the end of July. which has been accepted by the board of number of instances where have left him with no option but to In the college’s Ofsted report Moulton was governors,” the college told FE Week. practice was “unsafe or resign. branded ‘inadequate’ overall, and in four of “Both parties have reached an amicable sloppy”. In the short term, Moulton’s deputy the eight headline fields, including for its settlement which allows an orderly “For principal Gerald Davies will step large apprenticeships provision – meaning separation at the end of April, and the board example, up as acting principal, and the it will become the second college to lose the wishes Stephen well.” brickwork board will “seek to appoint an right to offer them under updated government Despite the situation, Mr Davies said he learners do Stephen Davies experienced interim principal rules.

Ofsted welcomes consultation on college group inspections

growing concerns over difficulties faced by no changes are proposed to the current system Billy Camden Ofsted in particular when reporting fairly for allocation of funding. @Billycamden on huge provider groups following mergers. The ESFA recently announced that there

Disparate campuses can be situated long will be a new college campus identifier fsted has welcomed a new government distances apart and specialise in different added to individualised learner records from consultation to “strengthen” public types of provision. 2018/19. O reporting on the performance of college The DfE’s consultation page explained It intends to “allow identification of groups which have multiple sites. Performance that changes in the “structure of the sector” provision delivered across the various sites of The launched have “implications for how well the existing merged institutions”. a nine-week consultation on April 10, which reporting for FE performance reporting system now works, The nation’s largest college group is in is expected to pave the way for more local college groups and including the information that is available to favour of a move to campus level inspections. inspections. multi learners, support for local accountability, and Joe Docherty, the chief executive of An Ofsted spokesperson said the -site colleges quality improvement”. Newcastle-based NCG, said moving to Government inspectorate was looking forward to the consultation It states that a corporation must remain inspections of individual campuses was a outcome, and that while it intends to continue as the accountable body “however large “logical next step” that the group would reporting on colleges at corporation level, “as Launch date or complex its activities, and wherever its “strongly welcome”. 10 April 2018 Respond by part of our review of the common inspection 10 June 2018 provision is delivered”. He has told FE Week that NCG, which framework, we are considering the potential The process is designed in counts as members six FE and sixth-form for us to report at campus level within an support of existing educational colleges, and two independent providers, had overall college inspection”. performance measures, been “asking Ofsted to consider” grading each The consultation seeks views on two reporting for multiple sites that are part such as achievement rates, campus individually for two years. proposals. of the same college. progress measures, learner “It’s vital for the communities we serve to The first is on the introduction of separate “That would provide greater destinations and outcomes. ensure true transparency on performance performance reporting for colleges that are transparency on the quality of local It does not propose any – which in a group means campus-level part of a group. provision, alongside performance changes to the measures inspection grades for the quality of “That would mean that performance information relating to the themselves. provision,” he said. information was available for all colleges, college as a whole,” Other, non-educational The DfE’s consultation proposals apply irrespective of whether they were part of a it said. performance measures, to both general and specialist FE colleges, group or not,” the consultation document The such as financial as well as sixth-form colleges. It closes on stated. consultation indicators, are also June 10. Views can be submitted by visiting Secondly, the DfE is options on separate is addressing Joe Docherty not in scope, and https://bit.ly/2HrxbI4. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 240 FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 5 News

The average principal salary for a college of this size was £148,000 in 2015/16, according Principal’s £300k salary to figures included in the college accounts published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. at £30m college causes The UCU, which has recently held a series of strikes in colleges across the country over pay, has been spitting feathers. furious union reaction Lydia Richard, a regional official, said his “bumper pay deal” was “ totally out of inspection in November, up from the previous step” with both staff pay and that of other Jude Burke grade three, and improvements in the college’s principals. @Judeburke77 Exclusive FROM FRONT achievement rates for the year. She demanded “greater transparency and Its overall apprenticeship achievement accountability” in principal pay decision- he leader of a college with an annual went up from 60 per cent in 2015/16 to 64.7 per making, adding: “The huge disparities Moulton College’s main campus in Moulton village turnover of just £30 million was paid cent in 2016/17, while its overall education between institutions when it comes to T almost £300,000 in 2016/17 – a £68,000 and training achievement rate went up from principal pay highlights the arbitrary nature increase and nearly double the sector average. 80.2 per cent to 86.4 per cent in the same time of how it’s awarded.” Matt Hamnett’s huge pay packet last year period. Mr Hamnett was appointed head of the has probably made him the highest-paid The sum paid to Mr Hamnett – which is college, which trades under the name Hart principal in the country at the time, provoking £68,000 more than he received in 2015/16 – is Learning Group, in March 2015. a furious reaction from the University and larger than the salaries paid to the bosses of He has also been director of group sales Matt Hamnett College Union. the country’s two largest college groups, and at Capita and a senior consultant at PwC, He was paid £294,000 on top of a £47,000 dwarfs the average salary for a principal of a and spent over seven years as a senior civil He stepped down as principal at the end of pension contribution and benefits in kind college the size of North Hertfordshire. servant. August, but continued as chief executive of worth £1,000 last year, according to North NCG boss Joe Docherty was paid £227,000, ESFA accounts show his North the group – which also includes Hart Learning Hertfordshire College’s financial statements – plus a £33,000 pension contribution and an Hertfordshire predecessor, Signe Sutherland, and Development and a school trust – until his or just over one per cent of its entire turnover. £11,000 bonus and benefits in kind worth received a salary of £162,000 in 2013/14. resignation on November 30. Mr Hamnett stepped down from his role in £10,000, while John Thornhill, chief executive But records for Mr Hamnett’s first full year, When asked to justify his salary, Mr November, but a college spokesperson said his of the LTE Group, which includes Manchester 2015/16, show he received a salary of £227,000 Hamnett told FE Week he had “delivered rapid salary was justified, as “Matt led us to a strong College, earned £221,000 over the year plus a in the same role for the year. and significant improvements over the course position”. £36,000 pension contribution, according to the This increased again the following year, to of my time”. She stressed that the payment “included groups’ accounts. £295,000. “We made big changes, and they worked,” a one-off payment of accrued benefits and But NCG’s income was almost £128 million The college’s turnover had actually gone he said, referring to the college’s recent Ofsted significant performance-related measures, and the LTE Group took in £184 million down slightly, by around eight per cent, report. earnt due to the success of our turnaround”. – whereas North Hertfordshire College’s during Mr Hamnett’s two and a half years at “I am proud of the part I played in the These included a grade two Ofsted turnover was just £30 million. the helm – from £32.6 million in 2014/15. group’s transformation.”

Building Resilience in Further Education & Skills

The conference promises to provide a platform to learn, network and collaborate Annual Conference with senior civil servants from government departments, politicians and sector representatives through seminars and interactive workshops.

16 May 2018 Topics include:

• Leadership, Management and Governance Keynote address announcement... • Holistic Approaches to Wellbeing • Student Voice • Teaching, Learning and Assessment • Assistive Technology • Gender and Skills

Along with panel discussions, other highlights include:

• A Q&A with the FE Commissioner, Richard Atkins CBE • ‘The Power of 7’ - Inspirational Story from Martine Wright MBE

Paul Joyce HMI Bookings & Information: Deputy Director www.skillsandeducationgroup.org.uk/education-conference-2018 #SEG2018 Further Education & Skills

Patron sponsors: Sponsors: Media partner: 6 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 News Topslice criticism for college given extra £1.6 million ESFA finally “Providers who subcontract training and FE Week analysis of national achievement Billy Camden take a hefty cut of public funds deliver little rate data for 2016/17 shows that 62 per cent of @Billycamden Exclusive sends out of value and the money could be better spent Eastleigh’s AEB enrolments were delivered on teaching people vital workplace skills to outside their local enterprise partnership in subcontracting he college that topped the funding tables benefit themselves and the economy,” he said. Hampshire. during the adult education budget Board minutes from November show that The ESFA has however been telling fees template Tprocurement has been awarded an extra Eastleigh’s principal, Dr Jan Edrich, was providers that they should be moving away £1.6 million for growth – even though it plans “pleased to inform governors that a growth from national subcontracting as AEB moves to subcontract it all with hefty top-slices. bid of £1.6 million had been made to the AEB, towards devolution. to providers Independent providers, forced for the first which the college will subcontract”. “I would expect to see less subcontracting time to tender for all their AEB funding, were A spokesperson confirmed this week the bid as funding is put in the hands of users or aghast in November after FE Week revealed was “successful”. She added that the cash has allocated more locally,” former skills minister Paul Offord that a sizeable £5.2 million portion of the total been used to “fund and deliver both local and Nick Boles told the ESFA in a letter in @Paulofford £110 million was shared among 19 colleges. national skills priorities which is in direct December 2015. The biggest winner was Eastleigh response to employer and learner demand”. Eastleigh said it is “well aware” of the he Education and Skills Funding College, which is one of the largest prime Eastleigh, rated ‘outstanding’ by devolution agenda, and that it has a “strategy Agency has finally sent providers long- subcontractors in the country. Ofsted, received over £21 million from the in place to manage the policy change”. Tdelayed templates to let them declare It was awarded £1.18 million in November, government for apprenticeships and adult Simon Ashworth, the chief policy officer at their subcontracting fees. on top of the £8.34 million it gets in non- funding last year, but directly delivered just the Association of Employment and Learning Individual lead providers previously procured AEB funding. FE Week can now shy of £4 million (18 per cent). The remaining Providers, said the scale of Eastleigh’s had to publish their annual figures by the reveal that it has gained an extra £1.6 million £17 million was subcontracted out, with a delivered provision is “significantly end of every November every year. But the from the AEB tender this month. 22.5-per-cent management fee. weighted” on subcontracting. rules changed for 2016/17, and providers To add insult to injury, it has only applied In total, this fee was close to £4 million – the “Certainly the recent reforms and new are now expected to inform the ESFA of for the funds to subcontract out the provision, same as its entire directly funded provision. rules were supposed to be moving the sector their figures, which are then meant to be using what is likely to be its standard 22.5-per- Minutes from a May 2016 board meeting away from managing agency-type models, published centrally. cent top-slice. make clear that management fees from and the ESFA should be giving the taxpayer The agency came in for criticism as The chair of the education select subcontracting increase the college’s surplus. better value for money by contracting much November passed last year, without any committee, Robert Halfon, hit out at the The college subcontracted its AEB more with those providers who can deliver indication of when the templates would be situation. provision to 15 different providers last year. for themselves,” he told FE Week. sent out, or when the full figures would be revealed. Eastleigh College Total funding College delivery College delivery Subcontracted Top-slice It has finally provided an update on the situation. AEB £8,691,243 £1,578,290 18% £7,112,953 £1,600,414.54 22.5% “All providers that ‘provision Appren £13,079,072 £2,420,039 19% £10,659,033 £2,381,819.80 22.3% subcontracted’ last year have been contacted by email,” it said in its weekly Total £21,770,315 £3,998,328 18% £17,771,986 £3,982,234 22.4% bulletin. “If you provision subcontracted for adult education last year, you need to submit the template that we sent to you to CITB finds most Carillion apprentices new employers the ESFA fees and charges mailbox by 5pm on Friday, April 27.” service for another 100 of the remaining Rayner said the majority of apprentices Billy Camden FE Week reported in January that the apprentices who are still engaging with the who have been placed elsewhere would feel @Billycamden education select committee chair Robert process. A further 224 have not responded to “huge relief”, but this “should not be allowed Halfon had demanded action on what he various attempts to contact them. to distract from the repeated failings of the described as “deeply worrying” delays. lmost three quarters of the apprentices The success in sourcing new work for DfE to take the steps necessary to protect He told the ESFA to collect the data left jobless following the collapse the apprentices has been put down to cash apprentices”. “immediately” so it “can be collated Aof Carillion have secured new incentives of £1,000 which are being offered “It has been the CITB that has been and we can see them”, shortly after employment, following an “extraordinary to employers. supporting these learners in the wake of government admitted it would not effort” by the construction industry over the The payments are part of a £1.4 million Carillion’s collapse, while the government publish the subcontracting fees in time last month. package that sees firms receive £500 up front, have simply buried their heads in the sand,” for parliamentary inquiry hearings into At first, 700 were offered alternative and a further £500 after six months if they’ve she added. concerns about the system, by both the apprenticeships by the end of January, after retained the displaced trainees. In an answer to a parliamentary Commons education and public accounts the outsourcing giant entered liquidation Ms Cain said that while the additional question last month, skills minister Anne committees. on the 15th. But attempts to move more incentive “may have helped”, the majority Milton revealed that just two of the 1,200 “The taxpayer should have the exact than 400 others stalled throughout February of companies offering jobs have done so apprentices cut adrift by the collapse of information readily available as soon as and early March, after it proved difficult to “out of a genuine desire to help the affected Carillion were offered a placement by the possible, as to how much money is being match them with companies close enough to apprentices and we are incredibly grateful to government – and both joined the army. creamed off,” Mr Halfon insisted. where they live. all those who have”. Stephanie Peacock, Labour MP for Subcontracting management fees have The Construction Industry Training Board Carillion was the UK’s largest employer of Barnsley East, said the government “had a been a source of mounting controversy, has now cleared the bottleneck, and 824, or construction apprentices before it went into duty” to look after the apprentices who have reaching as much as 40 per cent, as was 72 per cent, of the 1,148 apprentices have liquidation in January. been “badly failed by corporate bosses and infamously levied in some cases by moved on. It was originally estimated that around Tory ministers alike”. Learndirect. “The industry has well and truly rallied 1,400 learners trained at the company’s skills “They haven’t even found so much as Lead providers often claim the fees are together, offering 1,600 job opportunities to division, Carillion Training Services, had one apprenticeship in a single government needed to cover administrative costs, but affected apprentices,” said the CITB’s Gillian been affected by the collapse. department or agency,” she continued. many in the sector believe that too much Cain, which has assumed responsibility for However, this figure included recent The Department for Education had said money is being diverted from frontline finding alternative employers. finishers who were looking for a new it would continue paying the out-of-work learning. She added that while not all of these employer. The true number of affected apprentices beyond the end of March. The ESFA has also said that opportunities have “met the needs of the apprentices employed by UK’s largest However, it declined to comment on when subcontracting fees and charges are to be apprentices”, there are 200 more relevant employer of construction apprentices and these payments would end. reviewed to ensure government funding is vacancies remaining, and the CITB is delivered by CTS has now been confirmed as “We have been working closely with the being used for “recognised costs”. working hard to secure more. 1,148. CITB to find alternative employment for all The CITB is continuing its matching Shadow education secretary Angela those apprentices,” a spokesperson said. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 240 FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 7 News Catholic SFCs demand protections before academisation window closes

restructuring facility – which 31 SFCs have Billy Camden so far used to cover the costs of converting @Billycamden to academy status – ends in just five months’ time. rustration is reaching boiling point at Peter McGee, the principal of St John Rigby Catholic sixth-form colleges over barriers SFC, who chairs the Association of Catholic F to converting to academy status. SFCs, has begged the DfE to “hurry up” Becoming an academy, and in doing so before that window closes. enjoying the luxury of not paying VAT, has “Other non-faith based colleges have been been an option for nearly all SFCs since able to access the restructuring fund and former chancellor George Osborne changed there are a number that have converted but Peter McGee the rules in November 2015. we’ve not even been able to start the process,” However, a group of 14 which are Catholic- he told FE Week. main reason that Catholic SFCs want to commit. run claim they are prevented from doing so “We’ve raised this a number of times convert: they want to “align themselves more James Kewin, deputy chief executive due to their religious character, which would with ministers who are well aware there closely with schools to work collaboratively”. of the SFCA, insisted there is a “pressing not be maintained under current government are legislative changes needed but we have One Catholic SFC – Loreto in Manchester need” to make progress, especially as the rules. not had any movement or opportunity to – is already an academy sponsor but cannot restructuring fund approaches its end. If they converted, they would lose progress.” participate in the academy programme itself. “With no education bill likely in the protections in areas of curriculum, acts of He described the situation as “frustrating”, Mr McGee, who will become an executive foreseeable future, we are keen to explore worship and governance. particularly for Catholic SFCs which had principal at Loreto from September, said the non-legislative solutions to breaking this A short clause in the education bill planned to academise two years ago following situation was a “peculiar anomaly”. impasse,” he told FE Week. could “easily rectify this”, according to the recommendations in their area reviews. Under current rules, if a Catholic SFC The Department for Education “remains Catholic Education Service and the Sixth- Becoming an academy means SFCs no decides to become an academy it will remain committed to exploring” ways in which Form Colleges Association, which have longer have to pay VAT – letting them off an as an FE institution but won’t be governed by existing Catholic SFCs can convert to become been in joint talks with the Department for average annual bill of £385,000. the statutory provisions in the Further and academies while retaining their religious Education. The first to convert was Hereford SFC Higher Education Act 1992, which contains character. But 28 months after the option of in March last year. Seventeen have since protections for religious character. “We will continue to work with the colleges academisation became available, no action followed suit, leaving 65 designated SFCs. The CES has been “working closely” with and Catholic Education Service in developing has been taken. Thirteen of these are however in the pipeline the DfE to reinstate the legislative protections these options and in supporting them to The deadline to apply for funds from the of converting. for the colleges as 16-to-19 academies in the ensure the future success of the colleges,” a government’s £726 million post-area review Mr McGee explained that VAT is not the next education bill, but the DfE is yet to spokesperson said.

£300m approved for ‘significant’ restructuring applications

from the fund. Jude Burke These include Lambeth College, which was @Judeburke77 expecting a whopping £25 million to pay off its exceptional financial support and bank he government has approved more loans, according to its 2016/17 accounts. than £300 million to cover the cost of And struggling Telford College of Arts Timplementing post-area review changes, and Technology received £21 million for its even though the skills minister has insisted merger with New College Telford – a sum it is not for “propping up failing colleges”. that came in the form of a grant, according The figure, which amounts to around 40 to its accounts. per cent of the £726 million on offer, was Cash-strapped Stoke on Trent College was revealed in the latest Education and Skills also reported to be submitting a £21.9 million Funding Agency progress report on the bid to the facility to cover its debts, even restructuring facility. though it has no plans to merge. According to the announcement, 29 The restructuring facility, first announced colleges have applied for restructuring in March 2016, is part of a package of support. A further 29 applications have come support for colleges to help them implement from 31 sixth-form colleges which want to recommendations arising from the area cover the costs of converting to academy reviews, or other structural changes such as status. a merger brokered by the FE commissioner. Nineteen applications that include used as a bailout fund. yet publishing detailed information” about The cash, usually available as a loan, “funding to support restructuring” have “This funding is not about propping up successful bids while the application window comes from a pot amounting to £726 million. been approved so far. failing colleges,” she claimed. “Funding is still open. The deadline for applications was The report confirmed what skills minister from the restructuring facility is only “By putting the FE sector on a sustainable originally six months after a college’s final Anne Milton has said in her latest exclusive available after a rigorous assessment to footing we are making sure that people can area review meeting. column for FE Week (see page 12). help implement changes which will result in benefit from a wide range of choice and But in November last year, two months “To date we have approved over £300 sustainable, effective institutions.” quality education, wherever they live and after the last deadline passed for colleges in million of restructuring facility funding Successful applicants must have “a clear whatever stage of life they are at,” Ms Milton the final wave of reviews, this was extended and spent over £150 million, supporting 19 plan” along with a “realistic schedule for explained. until September 2018 – with the funding significant applications, as well as providing making this happen”. “I look forward to sharing with you how available until March 2019. compensatory VAT funding and transition The latest announcement doesn’t give any the restructuring facility is helping to The DfE denied that this meant the fund grants for a wider group of colleges,” she details of which colleges have received the achieve this later this year.” had failed, even though just 10 colleges wrote. cash nor how much. A number of colleges in dire straits that had been allocated a combined total of £120 The minister denied that the cash is being The Department for Education is “not have received multimillion-pound handouts million to date. 8 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 News

of £3 million or more, and is set at 0.5 per cent of this cost. Former adviser to two Eligible employers pay their levy contributions into a digital account held by HMRC, and can then spend their contributions on apprenticeship training delivered by skills ministers blasts registered providers. Smaller employers can also access the funds generated through the levy, although they must pay 10 per cent towards the cost of the apprenticeships levy training. The report recommends that this co- investment requirement for non-levy payers as a result is unlikely to deliver value-for- “should be removed with immediate effect” Paul Offord money.” to avoid smaller employers disengaging from @Paulofford Mr Richmond stressed that he did not help apprenticeships. Mr Boles, who secured HMRC approval for It adds that exam regulator Ofqual should be et another senior figure in FE has said the levy, with shaping the policy before it made the only option for quality-assuring end- the levy is in urgent need of reform, in a launched last April. point assessments to “ensure that standards Y new report full of stinging criticism of the Among other things, in a report entitled are maintained over time and poor practice is recent apprenticeship reforms. ‘The great training robbery: Assessing the quickly identified and eradicated”. Tom Richmond A former senior advisor to two previous first year of the apprenticeship levy’ on behalf The most popular option for EQA is skills ministers, Nick Boles and Matt Hancock, of the think-tank Reform, he suggests the the Institute for Apprenticeships (see happened under a skill minister he didn’t Tom Richmond, who left the Department for government’s target of three million starts by page nine), though the Quality Assurance work for, Robert Halfon, had “diminished the Education in 2015, has criticised the impact 2020 be scrapped, to avoid what he suggests is Agency, which generally deals with higher quality of apprenticeships”. of what he says is “in effect” a new tax on wasting £600 million a year on substandard education qualifications, and professional “The list of roles now officially counted as employers. training. bodies or employer-led approaches are other an ‘apprenticeship’ includes many low-skill “This report has been able to take a “Without reform, in 2019-20 the government alternatives. and often very short training courses, all of considered look at the impact of the levy, will spend £600 million on courses incorrectly “This needs to change,” Mr Richmond told which can now be delivered using the funds and it’s clear that major reform is needed as labelled as apprenticeships,” he wrote. FE Week. “The IfA has not got the expertise generated by the levy,” he wrote. a priority,” he told FE Week. This is not the first time Mr Richmond or capacity to run EQA. The system Employers are “using the levy to rebadge “It’s actually putting has criticised skills policy. He co-authored is too complicated. This lack of existing training courses as apprenticeships to many employers another report for the right-wing think- oversight wouldn’t be acceptable shift the costs of training onto the government off of investing in tank Policy Exchange in 2016, in which for GCSEs or A-levels, which is instead”. apprenticeships. he claimed the starts target wasted £500 why Ofqual needs to formally be Many employers are investing levy money “At present, the levy million a year. put in charge of quality assurance in management apprenticeships that upskills is too complicated for The apprenticeship and regulation.” existing employees and therefore “prioritise employers, focused on levy is currently paid by Mr Richmond’s report warns that older and more experienced workers instead too many inappropriate employers with an the launch of the levy, of improving the recruitment and training of forms of training and Matt Hancock annual payroll Nick Boles which actually young people in skilled occupations”.

Ofsted saves £400k with longer grade two re-inspection gap

will usually be inspected within five years of Paul Offord their last inspection,” it states. @Paulofford “This will normally be a short inspection, but may be a full inspection where fsted will save around £400,000 during information suggests that this is the most the next academic year by elongating the appropriate course of action, for example if Omaximum period between inspections for the provider’s performance has declined.” ‘good’ providers from three to five years, it Ofsted introduced short inspections for FE has told FE Week. providers that were judged ‘good’ at their last This change in inspection policy was inspection in September 2015. It claimed these revealed in the April edition of the learning two-day visits would allow for more frequent and skills inspection handbook. and effective monitoring than traditional five- “We estimate that this could potentially day full scale inspections. save around £400,000 in 2018/19,” said a But they were viewed by some as a cost- spokesperson. cutting measure, and have attracted criticism “We will inspect all ‘good colleges’ and for their limited scope and predictable skills providers within five years; that’s not to outcome. say we will inspect providers every five years, Short inspection reports almost always or indeed in the fifth year. return a ‘good’ verdict, though they can “As now, we will take into account risk has been the proliferation of government- The total number of providers on the be extended to a full inspection if serious information in deciding the timing.” approved apprenticeship providers. register of apprenticeship training providers problems are found and a lower grade is The watchdog has reviewed its inspection Chief inspector Amanda Spielman admitted increased to 2,588 last month. This was after deemed appropriate. frequencies to “ensure we are using our to MPs on the Public Accounts Committee in a further 13 organisations were unexpectedly Former Ofsted inspector Phil Hatton, who resources effectively and efficiently so that January that she was trying to secure extra added, five months on from when the third now works as an FE consultant, accepted that inspection is intelligent, responsible and public funding because of this. and most recent window of opportunity to get lengthening the maximum period between focused”, he added. The House of Commons education select onto RoATP closed. inspections for ‘good’ providers would save The inspectorate is having to look at where committee also heard in the same month from The Ofsted inspection handbook explains precious resources. it can make savings and stretch already Joe Dromey, a senior research fellow for the how the extended gap between inspections But he claimed it “really will lessen the limited resources, as provider numbers policy think-tank IPPR, that apprenticeship will work in practice. grip on ensuring quality, as many will have increase. numbers and Ofsted funding are “going in “Providers judged good for overall had short inspections and then a possible five A major source of additional pressure opposite directions”. effectiveness at their most recent inspection year gap”. Ofsted has denied this. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 240 FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 9 Investigates £73m AEB left unspent by 441 providers

to one provider that underspent, seen by funding through a grant, which means they delivering just £83,605-worth of adult Jude Burke FE Week, states that officials are reviewing have to repay any cash they’ve been overpaid. education, from an allocation of £1.5 million. @Judeburke77 Exclusive FROM FRONT college budget forecasts and comparing them The ESFA no longer automatically reduces Despite this shortfall, its allocation is with delivery projections. AEB allocations year-on-year where providers unchanged for 2017/18. undreds of colleges and training It goes on to offer “voluntary” ways to have under-delivered, which can mean some Capita had the largest shortfall of any providers have between them failed to lessen the impact of funding claw-backs for get allocations that are larger than the level of provider, with actual delivery almost £2.5 H deliver £73 million of allocated funding, under-delivery, such as reducing their current provision they expect to deliver. million lower than its £4 million allocation. exclusive FE Week analysis has revealed. allocations either mid-year or in 2018/19. To compound matters, the introduction of A spokesperson said this was due to “a Education and Skills Funding Agency Our analysis compared figures showing the FE loans for learners aged 19 to 23 in 2016/17 change in customer demand” over the year. figures show that 441 providers delivered ESFA’s final 2016/17 funding year values with meant that courses that used to be funded Lambeth College under-delivered by £1.5 less provision over 2016/17 than the money the most recent allocations from June 2017. through the AEB were no longer included. million on its £11 million allocation, which they were allocated from the adult education We found a whopping shortfall of £73,050,404 Mr Gravatt insisted restrictions are too tight Monica Box, the college’s principal, claimed budget would have allowed. between what providers were allocated on what can and can’t be funded through the was because it had moved out of one of its This will be a source of major frustration compared with what they actually delivered. AEB, and urged the government to “introduce campuses at the beginning of that year. for huge swathes of the sector, especially Of the 441 providers affected, 11 underspent more flexibility into the rules, because there It had been unable to find space for the considering the heavy criticism directed by more than £1,000,000. are millions of adults who could benefit from courses that had been delivered on the closed recently at the government for wider This was on top of the £5,059,522 that adult education and retraining”. campus and “this situation had a significant underfunding of FE. was paid to 86 colleges and local authority A spokesperson for the University of the impact on our ability to meet our AEB funding Julian Gravatt, the deputy chief executive of providers for courses that didn’t take place, Arts, London said that “like many providers” target for 16/17”. the Association of Colleges, claimed the fault thanks to a three-per-cent tolerance rule on it was affected “by changes in government Both Lewisham Southwark College and lies with “restrictive” rules and low funding grant-funded AEB under-delivery. funding arrangements, from funded adult Telford College had shortfalls of more rates, rather than providers. With the exception of independent training learning to FE loans for 19+ students”. than £1.5 million, but were unavailable for And an email sent last month by the ESFA providers, FE institutions receive their AEB UAL was one of the worst culprits, comment. Earlier this year Anne Milton admitted that Providers with AEB shortfall greater than £1m 2016/2017 AEB allocation at June 2017 2016/2017 AEB funded Shortfall the “mainstream participation element” of the Capita PLC £4,038,071 £1,611,775 -£2,426,296 -60% AEB had been underspent by £63 million over the year. Telford College £7,028,489 £5,282,023 -£1,746,466 -25% The revelation prompted Mark Dawe, the Lambeth College £11,029,151 £9,485,566 -£1,543,585 -14% boss of the Association of Employment and Lewisham Southwark College £12,066,583 £10,544,284 -£1,522,299 -13% Learning Providers, to demand that any University of the arts, London £1,509,691 £83,605 -£1,426,086 -94% unspent cash be reallocated to other providers. A change in procurement rules meant that LTE Group (including Manchester College) £17,942,200 £16,539,012 -£1,403,188 -8% private providers were forced to tender for City of Liverpool College £9,619,094 £8,228,665 -£1,390,429 -14% a slice of just £110 million in AEB funding South and City College Birmingham £21,621,513 £20,307,891 -£1,313,622 -6% in 2017/18, while their competitors – most Leicester College £11,341,332 £10,043,756 -£1,297,576 -11% notably colleges and local authorities – did not. Mr Dawe now wants the government to City of Bristol College £7,886,525 £6,597,905 -£1,288,620 -16% oblige every provider to have to bid for its Learndirect Limited £60,199,994 £59,173,821 -£1,026,173 -2% share of adult education funding.

However, it doesn’t apply to independent million. training providers, which will be subject to However, this is set to change: the ESFA The 86 FE colleges and local a “year-end adjustment” to their funding recently announced it was “committing allocations for any under-delivery and “must to fund three-per-cent over-delivery at the pay back any unspent funds”. end of the 2018 to 2019 funding year for all authorities allowed to keep £5m The AoC’s Julian Gravatt said the existence providers” to “ensure providers can deliver of the tolerance “recognises the fact that the adult education budget provision with your funding allocation, we will not make system itself is quite complicated because confidence”. Jude Burke a year-end adjustment to your funding every learning aim taken by a student is The funding and performance management @Judeburke77 allocation and you will not have to pay back separately priced”. rules for 2018/19 have yet to be published, any unspent funds”, according to the ESFA’s At the opposite end of the spectrum, 74 so it’s not yet known if the three-per-cent ighty-six colleges and local authorities 2016/17 AEB funding and performance providers over-delivered provision that was tolerance for under-delivery will remain after were allowed to keep more than £5 million management rules. not paid for, worth a combined total of £2.6 2017/18 Ein adult education budget funding for courses that didn’t take place in 2016/17. Providers with 2016/17 AEB shortfall of £100,000 not clawed back AEB delivered AEB funded Shortfall not clawed back The £5,059,522 windfall was the result of Birmingham Metropolitan College £13,798,372 £14,189,878 £391,506 -3% a funding rule in which a three-per-cent tolerance is applied to grant-funded AEB College Of Haringey, Enfield And North-East London £12,398,027 £12,717,562 £319,535 -3% under-delivery. The Wkcic Group £18,162,925 £18,475,247 £312,322 -2% Twelve colleges and one LA provider each New City College £12,111,946 £12,411,095 £299,149 -2% received more than £100,000 for provision South Thames College £10,016,763 £10,276,924 £260,161 -3% they didn’t deliver over the year as a result of this rule, according to the ESFA’s 2016/17 Westminster City Council £6,942,494 £7,147,927 £205,433 -3% final funding year values, published on City Of Wolverhampton College £5,723,949 £5,900,200 £176,251 -3% Wednesday. Stoke On Trent College £5,681,001 £5,846,395 £165,394 -3% The largest payment went to Birmingham Bradford College £8,814,301 £8,941,827 £127,526 -1% Metropolitan College, which delivered adult education worth £13,798,372 against West Nottinghamshire College £6,861,203 £6,980,652 £119,449 -2% an allocation of £14,189,878 – meaning it was South Gloucestershire and Stroud College £3,755,957 £3,870,328 £114,371 -3% overpaid by £391,506. Harlow College £4,125,177 £4,232,184 £107,007 -3% The rule states that “where your delivery £3,768,637 £3,874,531 £105,894 -3% of the overall AEB is at least 97 per cent of 10 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

EDITORIAL

All this unspent funding is absurd

The adult education budget has been significantly cut over the last decade, to the annual £1.5 billion it is today. And, we are told, as a result there are colleges in financial turmoil, training providers losing out in ESFA tenders, and ESOL courses with waiting lists in the thousands. Yet this week we reveal that 441 providers have failed to use tens of millions of allocated AEB funding. Many are colleges and the AoC was quick to blame “restrictive” funding rules and low rates. As a former college curriculum Judge: Learndirect got ‘nowhere near’ beating Ofsted in court planner myself, I’d argue that [Learndirect’s bosses] to support many of the for a year to determine overall educational pointing the finger at the funding Billy Camden propositions put forward, but the court has progress in a given school,” the judge @Billycamden system is too simplistic. to set against this, the written evidence of Mr explained. In truth, it is often poor planning, Cocker and indeed Mr Searle,” he wrote. He said that the “simplicity” of this over-optimistic targets and a he country’s largest FE provider didn’t “There has been no application to cross- argument was “attractive” – but he could not preference to under-deliver rather get “anywhere near” quashing its now examine the defendant’s witnesses. In these accept it. than go unpaid for the costs of over- Tinfamous ‘inadequate’ rating during circumstances, where there is a conflict “In my judgment, none of these matters, delivery that’s to blame. its legal fight with Ofsted, the judge who between the respective evidence on matters not even the complaint as to sample size, go In response the ESFA appears to be presided over the case has admitted. of fact, as I have already explained, the court anywhere near to enabling this court to say After a seven-month wait the Manchester is bound to accept that of the defendant’s that no rational decision-maker could have taking two sensible steps. Administrative Court has finally witnesses, in this case that of Mr Cocker.” made the decision it did on the evidence Firstly, encouraging colleges published the detailed judgement following The provider also claimed that Ofsted’s before it,” he recalled. to reduce unrealistic allocations, Learndirect’s failed judicial review in early sample size of apprentices was not large He criticised Learndirect for claiming its presumably with a view to August last year. enough to reflect the size of the company, and sample-size figures spoke for themselves, and reallocating the funding in-year to Mr Justice King’s damning verdict exposes that the watchdog should have gone back in concluded that its claims “must fail” based on those able to use it. just how far away the provider was from to the provider to do more inspecting. the material presented before him. And secondly, introducing a policy beating the inspectorate – as the challenge Mr Justice King said that although no “It is impossible for me to conclude on that commits to fund three per was backed up with little evidence and a “expert evidence” was called on behalf of the material before me that no reasonable weak argument in court. the claimant to “counter the evidence of the regulatory body would or could have been cent of any AEB over-delivery in One of its contentions was that Ofsted’s expert regulator”, Learndirect had submitted satisfied with the information before the 2018/2019. lead inspectors, Paul Cocker and Charles figures which it had claimed “speak for defendant’s inspectors in this instance by It’s a complex issue – but surely Searle, had a “predetermined” negative view themselves”. the time of the writing of the report into the the absurdity of leaving scarce FE of its apprenticeship provision which was For example, it suggested that there had claimant activities,” he continued. funding unspent can’t be allowed to “procedurally unfair”. been only one scrutiny of a single apprentice “For all these reasons this claim must fail. continue? However, the judge ruled that there was at intermediate level in relation to some The claim is dismissed.” “no evidence of that whatsoever”. nearly 5,000 apprenticeships on health and Learndirect’s battle against Ofsted has Nick Linford, Editor “One of the problems with the claimant’s social care. engrossed the sector ever since FE Week [email protected] submissions is its reliance on the written “This was the equivalent, he suggested, of brought attention to it in August after evidence of Mr Palmer and Ms Wood plucking just one child out of a school class our lawyers successfully contested strict reporting restrictions. COMMENTS The subsequent fallout forced the government to single it out for special treatment by allowing it to see through the Institute for Apprenticeships boss blasts AELP for Minister sets out success Government ‘must act now’ to replace end of their current contracts – instead of ‘inflammatory’ end-point assessment concerns measures for FE commissioner European funding ending them within the usual three-month termination period. What a worrying state of affairs. I’m Can you imagine a scenario That seems like an impossible Has to go hand in hand with a review of formula It was then subject to investigations sure the job description for the IFA’s like this with GCSE exams position the FE commissioner has funding, subcontracting and the ILR. If it’s true that from the National Audit Office and Public CEO requires the ability to win friends pending? The governing body been placed in. The commissioner’s it will be less bureaucratic then there are plenty of Accounts Committee. and influence people – not make saying to parents “don’t worry, success is based on providers not layers there. The PAC held its hearing on the saga in enemies and alienate them. We’ve you don’t need an awarding messing up. Providers not messing up January, in which the NAO’s comptroller got enough problems without being body set up, the fact that is largely based on the availability of But, the flip side is that bureaucracy is good for and auditor general, Sir Amyas Morse, told caricatured as profiteers who ask too we’ve had no content guidance both adequate funding and good staff. keeping employment figures high (even if not good for Learndirect’s boss Andy Palmer that the many inconvenient questions. Perhaps or syllabus to prepare the I expect there will all of a sudden be productivity). So the transition in lots of sectors, not judicial review could be seen as a “hardnosed Sir Gerry could get together with AELP students is fine! You’re just a radical reduction in the number just FE, is a political hot potato. use of lawyers and quite hostile tactics to and sort out these issues in a more being inflammatory and of providers having an intervention. delay something for the purpose of improving respectful and considered manner? making a big deal of this!” Ludicrous. On the bright side, “change” is the only consistent your cashflow”. thing in this sector, so we should be well prepared! “I do not approve of it,” he added. “In fact I strongly disapprove of it.” Matt Garvey Sam Ingram Dean Carey JW Learndirect and Ofsted both declined to comment. JO FRIDAY, MAR 13 2018 EDITION 240 BS

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Lead, Shape and Inspire Principal & CEO Salary c. £110k + bonus for an exceptional candidate at Selby College You may be a current Principal, or an experienced Deputy or Vice Principal ready to make your mark at the next level. Selby College, a highly regarded college in the heart of You will have a proven high record of achievement with a Yorkshire recently achieved Ofsted ‘Good’, with many curriculum, skills or resources background and possess strong strengths highlighted. The College remains one of the best business and financial acumen. performing in the region and is consistently in the top 10% of all UK colleges, based on achievement and performance. In every aspect you will be a strong team player, a pioneer committed to supporting the board to develop and deliver We have a modern single site campus, which combines great bold and ambitious plans for college. Sustainability is key and facilities with quality teaching and very high standards. you will need to build a strong profile and maintain excellent We excel in the delivery of apprenticeships, have effective networks and stakeholder relationships. relationships with employers large and small and work closely The successful appointee will possess a clear understanding with the local community. The College offers a broad range of the FE landscape, be able to demonstrate knowledge of A level and vocational courses and our higher education is of the key national education and skills policies, priorities thriving. Through astute business and financial management, and agendas in order to lead Selby College through the the College has sustained ESFA ‘Good’ finances, creating a next evolution of the sector, successfully navigating many sound platform for delivery. challenges. Our Principal for over 25 years will be retiring at the end of Closing date for applications is Monday 30th April at 12:30pm August 2018 and we are seeking to appoint a new Principal to inspire and motivate our vibrant organisation to remain and the assessment centre will be held 21st & 22nd May. at the forefront of FE and skills, taking us through the next phase of our journey to “outstanding”.

To apply for this role or to download an application pack visit: www.protocol.co.uk/selby-college

For a confidential discussion about the role contact Ian Sackree 07795 271559 or David Beynon 07970 042334

Assistant Principal Stockport and Stretford Campuses

Assistant Principal Altrincham Campus

Competitive Salary

We are looking for two talented senior leaders to lead the curriculum at Stockport and Stretford campuses, and at Altrincham campus. The ideal candidates will be highly effective leaders who are looking for their next challenge. These roles will be accountable for delivering transformational change within the TCG’s vision and Trafford College Group - ‘A Dynamic College that Inspires People’ Corporate Plan. You will:

Trafford College Group will be the dynamic new academic and vocational • Ensure the achievement of agreed outcomes for learners qualifications and skills provider in the South Manchester area, with approximately • Lead the quality agenda 14,000 students and apprentices and with a turnover of £37million. • Drive learner recruitment • Ensure efficient delivery of the curriculum Building on the great reputation of Trafford College, the new Trafford College Group is set to play a major contribution in meeting the qualifications and skills needs of the regional economy, and pathways into a diverse range of careers. Assistant Principal 16 -19 Study Programmes, Student

With great plans for curriculum development and growth and a major refurbishment Experience and Support programme planned for the Stockport Campus we are starting on an exciting Competitive Salary journey. We are looking for passionate sector leaders to help us shape our future.

You will lead on 16 -19 Study Programmes at Trafford College Group, ensuring that If you share our passion for success there has never been a better time to work for English and mathematic delivery, Additional Learner Support and Pastoral Support Trafford College Group. functions provide an high quality experience for Trafford College Group students. You will have the vision to develop a leading Study Programme model that provides high Trafford College Group – New Group - New Opportunities! A Great Place to Work! outcomes for students. You will:

To apply, please visit our vacancy page at • Deliver 16-10 Study Programme objectives http://www.trafford.ac.uk/about-us/jobs • Drive recruitment to 16-19 Study Programmes • Drive continuous improvement in 16-19 performance measures Closing date for receipt of applications: • Ensure the College meets all safeguarding, student support and careers advice and Monday 16 April at noon guidance • Driving student attainment in English and mathematics JO FRIDAY, APR 13 2018 @FEWEEK BS

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UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL, GROW OUR BUSINESS Assistant Principal, Business Growth

Salary: Circa £67k, plus performance related pay and generous benefits package, including 35 days’ annual leave, pension scheme, onsite car park, gym and nursery

Coventry is positively buzzing: with a population 7% younger be comfortable in shaping plans which deliver organisational than the national average (and increasing faster than anywhere growth and exceed customer expectations. Assessing and else in the West Midlands), at the heart of one of the fastest stimulating market demand across all income streams growing LEP areas in terms of economic output, coupled with – including student-led programmes, employer skills, the opportunities arising from the accolade of becoming City apprenticeships, commercial and international business – you of Culture in 2021, Coventry is a vibrant place to be! will have a proven ability to create innovative, client-focused solutions, whilst also being adept at spotting opportunities and With global economic strengths in areas such as Automotive introducing new products to the College portfolio. R&D (particularly Electric Vehicles and Connected & Autonomous Vehicles), Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital With experience of leading Apprenticeship programmes, Creative (especially in gaming), coupled with a strong SME including the creation of and transition to new Standards, base, Coventry is a city of innovation that has constantly re- you will be naturally results-driven and commercially aware, invented itself to survive and thrive. comfortable with transparent reporting of performance. As a leader you’ll be motivating and empowering, driving At the heart of this landscape, the newly formed Coventry this approach through the organisation and building high College has ambitious plans for growth. Created from the performing teams. merger in 2017 of Henley College and City College, Coventry College is now the key professional and technical skills Leading our marketing and communications strategies, you’ll provider in the area and is making great strides in its first year, be a strong, persuasive communicator with the ability to work performing well across all areas of its delivery plan. Building effectively across structural and organisational boundaries upon existing relationships with over 700 employers, this is an in order to influence others in the achievement of strategic exciting opportunity to shape skills delivery across Coventry outcomes. Naturally collaborative, you’ll build on and form new and the wider region, harnessing the demand for more, higher partnerships that add value to employers and communities and new skills in the workforce in order to take advantage across our city and beyond. of the economic opportunities now presenting themselves. Leading stakeholder relationships, working with employers to If this describes you, we look forward to hearing from you. develop sector-specific strategies, you will be at the heart of shaping the College’s future as the ‘go-to’ strategic growth partner. To apply, log on to www.coventrycollege.ac.uk (look under the ‘about us’ section) or www.fejobs.com (search for Coventry You’ll need to be passionate, have strong change leadership College, Henley Campus) skills, with a drive and determination to succeed. An experienced skills strategist and business developer, you’ll Applications Close: Monday, 23rd April 2018

We are actively committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and any vulnerable groups within the College community. We value our diverse College community and are actively committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of College life. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share these commitments. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check. JO FRIDAY, MAR 13 2018 EDITION 240 BS

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Stoke on Trent College has two exciting opportunities within our Funding and Information Services team. Head of Business Intelligence and Systems

We are looking for an experienced Business Intelligence and Based in Stoke on Trent with transport links to the North West, West Midlands and East Systems specialist to join our team. With an understanding of Midlands, Stoke on Trent College is the largest provider of further education in Stoke and report writing and presentation using MS SQL Server and SQL North Staffordshire, with around 10,000 students each year on full-time and part-time study Reporting Services, the post holder will be responsible for providing programmes, apprenticeships, professional qualifications and university-level courses. We help a responsive, flexible and pro-active report writing service for thousands of local people each year to gain the basic skills needed for work, be it English and ad-hoc and standard reports across a wide range of functions, as maths, employability skills or specific work-related qualifications. well as leading on the development and maintenance of reports, dashboards and associated information systems. Our staff put teaching, learning and assessment at the heart of everything they do, with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement we respect and value all individuals and behave with honesty and integrity. We have a united staff culture where we seek and Head of MIS share best practice helping us to support and prioritise learners. We are also in search of an experienced Management Information Services and Examinations professional to join their team. With In recognition of the vital role our staff play in our ongoing success we offer fantastic rewards previous experience in a College environment and an expert beyond your pay slip that include a competitive pension package, enhanced leave policies, understanding of the funding methodologies for all funding streams, support for continued professional development, health related benefits including individual EFSA funding audit and recent experience of examinations and health care plans and access to a state of the art gym, childcare vouchers, onsite nursery, free JCQ requirements, the post holder will lead the MIS & Examinations parking, restaurant facilities and a cycle to work scheme to name but a few! team to ensure efficiency of systems, accurate learner records, readily available KPI’s to monitor performance, curriculum planning If Stoke on Trent College sounds like a place you want to share your knowledge and expertise support, a JCQ compliant examinations system and that all data then please visit our website to apply www.stokecoll.ac.uk/jobs . and information are captured, retained and processed securely in accordance with the expectations of the General Data Protection Education Business Services (Stoke) Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and positively Regulations (GDPR). encourages applications from all sections of the community. Hours / Tenure: Education Business Services (Stoke) Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the 37 hours per week (full time), permanent, 1.0 FTE welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this Salary: commitment. £35,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience

PerforMance and finance officer £26,800 - £36,200

Have You Ever Considered We are looking for an organised and experienced data/management information system officer who can demonstrate a strong track record in data and MIS in Working In Assessment? further and adult education to help our service to continually improve. The post combines a management information function with finance officer functions. The Council’s Adult Learning Service is currently rated as good by Ofsted. Our Pearson are currently looking for Vocational teachers to join ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work with directly employed staff and our team of BTEC Examiners and Standards Verifiers across those of subcontracted delivery partners to ensure the provision of accurate and a range of subjects. timely information and analysis of performance relating to funding, standards and compliance of all ALES stakeholders, funding bodies and agencies. Working in assessment is As the Performance and Finance Officer for the Adult Learning and Employment a great opportunity to: Service you will join a small team and have responsibility for providing data, • Inspire fresh ideas and Development Achievement performance information and finance functions to the team. It includes undertaking approaches to teaching the Individual Learner Record returns to the funding body, ensuring maximisation your subject of funding for the Service. You will work closely with the Adult Learning and • Work with fellow educational Learning Networking Employment Manager to ensure that performance information is available regularly professionals Passing and to meet the needs of the senior leadership team as requirements arise. • Gain an invaluable insight Knowledge Opportunities into the assessment process The successful candidate will hold a degree, significant relevant work experience • Gain a deeper understanding and be able to demonstrate previous success in data management in an adult or of the specification further education setting. Experience of the educational database LearnerTrack Boost your income would be an advantage. •

To apply please visit jobs.westminster.gov.uk To find out more please visit Closing Date: 2nd May 2018 www.edexcel.com/aa-recruitment PioneerinG

00355 FE WEEK - BTEC - March.indd 1 15/03/2018 09:11:58 JO FRIDAY, APR 13 2018 @FEWEEK BS

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The introduction of automated feedback means that your learners can now benefit from automated, compact and rich feedback. This addition gives more feedback options than ever before to help support learners to success. visit ncfe.org.uk/automated-feedback to find out more 12 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 Experts MINISTERIAL Professor MUSINGS Ewart Keep Anne Milton, Minister for skills and apprenticeships Director of SKOPE, Oxford University

The restructuring facility won’t Market versus system – be used to prop up bad colleges say hello, wave goodbye

The government has put more than £700 been providing extra funds. What’s important Further education is increasingly being UTCs and studio schools are demonstrating, million up to keep struggling colleges is that young and older people are able to used as a laboratory between competing the 14-to-18 marketplace is a crowded and on their feet, but it’s not a hand-out for get the high-quality provision they need to models of education, and the market demanding one. There are also major issues failures, writes Anne Milton get on. The restructuring facility is there to model is winning. Ewart Keep explains about financial instability, the costs – not help colleges become financially sustainable, why marketising education might not be least to learners – of institutional failure, E Week readers will know that a strong often through a process of structural change. such a safe bet and providers’ inability to plan long-term to further education sector can change the To date we have approved over £300 million support developments like the T-levels. F lives of both young and older people. I of funding and spent over £150 million, lthough many in FE still instinctively want to do what I can to make the sector more supporting 19 significant applications, as well talk about the “system”, in reality resilient, which means helping providers as providing compensatory VAT funding and A there are now only markets for prepare for future changes and rise to the transition grants for other colleges. different segments of provision – 14-to-16, The evidence that new challenges ahead. The facility has made the merger between 16-to-18/19, AEB, loans-funded post-19, and We need colleges to be financially and West Cheshire apprenticeships. This change from a system- this model works secure and able to reinvest in learning and College possible. WCC had experienced based model to a market model happened improving quality. The structural changes serious financial issues, having required quite gradually, from limited contestability in the real world that have followed area reviews are the exceptional financial support from the under New Labour to full-blown foundation for improvement – through government for day-to-day spending and marketisation under the current government. is, at best, limited greater efficiency and stronger leadership. quality issues, not to mention a previous It also occurred with little public debate on The expanded remit for the FE commissioner, Ofsted rating of ‘inadequate’. The merger the relative merits of this fundamental choice the introduction of the Strategic College in March 2017 meant the combined 13,000 about how best to configure funding and Third, so far limited thought has been Improvement Fund and National Leaders learners are now under one leadership team provision. In part, this lack of debate helps given to the longer-term implications. To of Further Education will now bring a which has been recently judged ‘good’. This explain why people still refer to a system. In pick just one example, where is market broader focus and greater support to raising merger is providing a solid foundation for FE there has been no decisive, overt break. regulation and governance heading? At standards – working with some of the most sustainable provision across this region. The new marketised reality has simply crept present, the market is regulated by a outstanding current college leaders. This funding is not about propping up on the sector, and providers have adjusted range of different agencies and bodies – for up failing colleges. Funding from the accordingly. example, the FE commissioner, the Institute restructuring facility is only available after Why have markets and contestability in for Apprenticeships, the Education and a rigorous assessment to help implement education become so popular in England? Skills Funding Agency, Ofsted and Ofqual. Where colleges changes which will result in sustainable, Scotland and Wales have retained a systems The boundaries between their respective effective institutions. Successful applicants approach. The answer is a set of interrelated remits are often blurry, and the overall have needed have to show that they have developed a clear economic theories. Their starting point is the regulatory system in FE is far more diffuse plan, with a realistic schedule for making “principal/agent dilemma”. This suggests than for universities. At the same time, if to make major this happen. This must include financial that where a government (the principal) the customer is king and market forces rule, plans for the next three years, with realistic funds institutions (the agent) to deliver public what need is there for traditional governance changes we have forecasts for student numbers and planned policy, there is a danger that the latter will mechanisms? Why have boards of governors income, a clear curriculum plan which meets instead follow their own self-interest, ignore when customer demand dictates strategy and been providing the needs of local employers and students, what the former wants, and deliver what is defines success? a staffing plan which reflects actual need, easiest, perhaps inefficiently. Fourth, FE policy is fundamentally extra funds and a strategy for making best use of their The solution, according to the textbook, is incoherent. Overlaying official enthusiasm buildings and facilities. to route funding through the customer – in for markets there is a strand of thinking that The window for applications remains open FE’s case students and employers – so that still yearns for traditional elements of skills The area review programme, and the until September 28, and so we are not yet competition will force the agent/provider forecasting and planning. An example here structural changes that followed are proving publishing detailed information about the to deliver that which is needed. The market are the new skills advisory panels. Policy to have a big impact. Our programme previous allocations. By putting the FE sector and customer choices are seen as the most also hankers after greater cooperation and has identified places where FE providers on a sustainable footing we are making sure effective resource allocation mechanism. At a systems-based approach for some forms would benefit from long-term structural that people can benefit from a wide range of the same time, contests between providers for of provision (see the DfE’s social mobility change – and thanks to the hard work of choice and quality education, wherever they resources (funding and students) will drive plan for example). How the tensions between colleges and local partners during reviews, live and whatever stage of life they are at. up efficiency, with the weakest going out of markets and planning and partnership will be many recommendations have already been I look forward to sharing with you how the business. resolved is as yet profoundly unclear. implemented, including 42 mergers to date. restructuring facility is helping to achieve There are at least four problems with this To try to throw light on the meaning Throughout this process our priority this later this year. analysis. First, the evidence that this model and implications of marketisation, Oxford has been making sure colleges have good We want to provide the right framework works in the real world is, at best, limited. University, working in partnership with leadership, manage their finances well, and and targeted support to help colleges become Few developed countries have gone down the Association of Colleges, is undertaking are on a firm financial footing for the future. resilient, well governed and high-quality this route. Australia is the prime example, a project on the issue for the FE Trust for This is essential if we want to deliver high providers. We are looking at the resilience and it has resulted in a decline in vocational Leadership. Our main objective is to produce quality FE provision for all. and sustainability of the FE sector at the provision and multiple funding frauds. a set of scenarios for how marketisation could I know that any change can be challenging moment because we do understand the Second, there has been little discussion develop, and to explore some of the main and where colleges have needed to make challenges colleges face. I want to make sure about some of the downsides to marketisation challenges, tensions and contradictions with major changes as the result of a review, that we do all we can to help them thrive and here. For example, the need to maintain a markets-based policy. Keep an eye on the which they cannot fund themselves, we have succeed. spare capacity to facilitate student choice. As FETL and AoC websites for details. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 240 FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 13 Experts

Elite sports is one of the hardest roles may require, for low salaries, and still industries to break into, yet there are no be spoilt for choice. I have seen professional plans for any technical routes, laments football clubs in England offering £12,000 Jo Maher Jo Maher salaries and requiring a minimum of a BSc and to be accredited, while many teams offer he independent panel on technical Principal and CEO, Boston College internships and voluntary roles. education’s report in 2016 identified “15 This is where the problem lies. There T clear routes to skilled employment” has been an overreliance on motivated where there is a “substantial requirement for postgraduates continuing to develop their technical knowledge and practical skills”. technical skills, as opposed to improving the Sport was not one of them. system in order to map the technical training Sport is one of the most competitive as part of their studies. Not because technical industries there is, with worldwide audiences, Own goal: Why is there no training is not needed or is needed only at major international events and billions postgraduate level. The result is that sport has of pounds in revenue generated annually. not engaged as much as other sectors in the Sport is an industry so technical that at elite T-level pathway for sport? apprenticeship reforms. performance level you have to complete up The uptake of vocational qualifications to three years of training after completing training that cannot be learnt exclusively on up to three years on technical training, at at level three across the sector has been a master’s program to become accredited the job. Is this the case? their own expense in many cases, in order to strong for a number of years. However, or chartered. Sport covers professional To become a chartered professional get a job. apprenticeships in sport are not widely and technical jobs across biomechanics, is a mark of professional competency in available, resulting in low enrolment physiology, psychology, performance analysis, a particular field of work. The British numbers when compared to other sectors. coaching, and strength and conditioning. Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences The advanced apprenticeship in sporting Physical activity, exercise and leisure (BASES) runs an accreditation scheme, which Apprenticeships excellence is the exception, and it has long are industries in their own right but with a leads to chartered scientist status and the supported young athletes with the training clear synergy to sport, requiring transferable scheme is widely recognised in elite sport as in sport are not required to succeed in elite sport, specific to knowledge and similar competencies. I fully a standard for employment. Furthermore, the the performance side. endorse AoC Sport’s stance that a ‘Sport and role of sport and exercise psychologist is now widely available, I cannot think of another industry that physical activity’ career pathway should be a protected title. There is no doubt that high demands up to nine years of training, at a acknowledged within the occupational maps levels of technical education and training are resulting in minimum cost of £36,000, to employ a person and the route amended to ‘Health, science, required to operate in elite sport. on an average salary of £18,000. We must do sport and physical activity’. So why is the T-level sport missing? low enrolment better. Co-ordinating the technical training The Institute for Apprenticeship states that I have been told that sport must be academic requirements across the sector and including the “maps are not an exhaustive overview as opposed to technical because students go to numbers sport in the occupational maps may trigger the of the labour market and will be regularly university. The logic is that A-levels instead shift needed. Developing T-levels, level three reviewed and updated”. To be successful, of technical qualifications would place sport apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships it will be necessary to prove that sport is on the academic side of qualification reform. The attraction of working in elite sport is for elite sport job roles, supported by key a skilled occupation, with a substantial However, employers still require technical meanwhile so high that professional clubs stakeholders such as BASES, would benefit requirement for technical education and training, leaving master’s graduates spending can ask for higher-level qualifications than students, employers and the taxpayer.

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The winning team Shipshape and Swap shop: Aliona Cervinskaja and Joe Seaman Bristol fashion he winners of a competition to breathe Research UK and the Salvation Army. new life into Suffolk charity shops have “We gave them the tools and the space ive aspiring engineers from UTC Swindon Tbeen revealed. to express their retail ideas and creativity, took a top prize in the Royal Navy Aliona Cervinskaja and Joe Seaman won and they developed an attractive and eye Fengineering challenge finals, a national the week-long challenge, which saw teams catching Easter shop window display,” said STEM competition. of level three business and retail students Bill Hill, shop manager at the St Nicholas The team of year 10 students won the 14-to- from West Suffolk College take over six local Hospice Care Shop. 16 age category, in which they had to design charity shops, using their business, visual “Both were engaged with the day-to-day an unmanned, remotely operated system that merchandising and social media skills to structure of life in a boutique charity shop, would clear objects from the seabed. The teams in action encourage more people to visit. and were keen to acquire knowledge of the The students had just one day to build, The pair took over the St Nicholas Hospice essential art of visual merchandising.” refine and test their invention, alongside Care Shop in Bury St Edmunds, raising the “Feedback from charity staff has been preparing a presentation about their design “They showed immense most money in the store compared to their extremely positive, so we hope to build on and approach. technical skill, determination and ingenuity peers. links with these great charities in future Their invention impressed judges the most to win the challenge against tough Other teams took over branches of projects,” added Nina Hart, the college’s out of the 75 teams competing at the finals competition. These are exactly the kind of EACH, Suffolk Age UK, Barnardo’s, Cancer business and retail course director. in Portsmouth, as well as clearing the most qualities that we need in the engineers of the objects from a replica sea bed set up in a 3 x future and as a school we are hugely proud of 3.4m test tank. them,” said Jon Oliver, principal of the UTC. Trans visibility campaign

Down to business: Students help the Newcastle Eagles on matchday

Jess Ryan, third from left, and Ashleigh Lee, right, with students A social media slam-dunk tudents at Barnsley College have learned their potential effects of on a child’s life. about the transgender community They also helped a handful of learners usiness students have taken control selling merchandise. S during a guest talk from two trans who were confused about their own gender of the social media accounts of a “It has been great to welcome students women. become more informed about the options B championship basketball club in a from Gateshead College to work with us. The Ashleigh Lee and Jess Ryan travelled from available to them. unique work experience placement. students came along with innovative, unique Halifax to share their experiences of gender “Education is key in building people’s The 15 level three students from ideas and a genuine enthusiasm to achieve reassignment with the college’s childcare understanding of the transgender Gateshead College teamed up with the goals I set them,” said Paul Blake, the and education students, as well as fielding community and hearing our stories gave the Newcastle Eagles to develop their team’s managing director. questions from students about their lives, the students valuable knowledge about the employability skills, taking responsibility “Our students have taken so much away what being transgender means, and the transgender community, who are often a for ticket sales, managing social media posts from this project. They’ve been able to get issues they’ve faced along the way. misrepresented group,” said Ms Lee. and increasing the number of club sign-ups hands-on event and project management The talk was tied to the children’s health “People can experience very different ahead of a match. experience in a fast-paced environment with and wellbeing unit which is studied on the reactions from family members and friends Students were also in charge of organising challenging targets and have really made the course. In particular, the learning objectives and educating young people is vital in photo opportunities with the club’s mascot, most of the opportunity,” added Chris Toon, of how to understand the needs of children breaking down misconceptions,” Ms Ryan Swoop, on the day of the game, as well as deputy principal at the college. during transition and significant events, and added. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 240 FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 15

CAMPUS ROUND-UP FEATURED CAMPUS Hopwood Hall wins the battle of Manchester ROUND-UP

Hopwood Hall College swept the board in a competition for further education colleges in , reports Samantha King.

he annual Greater Manchester Skills Competition ran from March 19 to 23 Tand pitted 10 colleges against each other in disciplines including hair and beauty, hospitality and catering challenges, travel The college’s sport and UPS team and tourism, carpentry, and sports. In total, Hopwood Hall students brought home 10 gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze in 10 different course area challenges. Level three make-up student Eve Williams won silver in the ‘We Cooking up a storm: Molly Coupe with judges Hair and beauty team love Manchester’ for the results. The whole “I was really happy to win. I’ve had so much College, , , themed media make-up competition was a great support from my family and friends. They and Wigan & Leigh and prosthetics round experience and has given have been all over Facebook sharing their College. Busy bee: Eve Williams with her worker-bee me a lot of confidence in my excitement about it,” she explained. “The inspired look. abilities and in my targets of competition was really tough, I was surprised Do you want to be in “I think we did so well as a team. starting a career in the hair to actually win my category! The experience Everybody’s work was of a very high standard and beauty industry.” I’ve gained at Hopwood Hall’s Riverside Campus Round-up? and we really seemed to wow some of the Her fellow learner Molly Couple won gold Restaurant definitely prepared me for it.” If you have a story you’d like to see featured in campus round-up, judges,” she said. “Our tutors did a great job in the individual level three food prep and The competing colleges were Hopwood Hall get in touch by emailing of preparing us for the event and giving us cook round, which involved cooking a three- College, Trafford College, , [email protected] some self-belief, they deserve a lot of credit course meal. , Salford College, Oldham

Kelvin Nash Tom Bewick Robert Nitsch CBE

Principal and CEO, Chief executive, the Federation of Chief operating officer, Institute Awarding Bodies for Apprenticeships

Start date May 2018 Start date May 2018 Start date TBC

Previous job Previous job Previous job Vice-principal, Heart of Worcestershire College President, Transatlantic Apprenticeship Exchange Forum Personnel director, British Army (ongoing) Interesting fact Interesting fact Kelvin has worked in the further education sector for 19 years. Interesting fact Robert joined the army in 1983, and worked his way up to roles Tom has been a council member for Brighton and Hove city including director of manning and chief employment officer, and council since May 2015. chief of staff to the adjutant-general.

Jane Downes Louise Sui Chair, FDQ awarding organisation Movers & Managing director, CPL Training

Start date March 2018 Start date April 2018

Previous job Shakers Previous job Independent veterinary consultant (ongoing) Commercial director, CPL Training

Your weekly guide to who’s Interesting fact Interesting fact Jane also currently chairs the Pig Health and Welfare Council. new and who’s leaving Louise has judged a number of hospitality awards, including ‘BII licensee of the year’.

If you want to let us know of any new faces at the top of your college, training provider or awarding organisation please let us know by emailing [email protected] 16 @FEWEEK FE WEEK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

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Difficulty: 2 4 1 5 1 8 2 7 9 4 3 6 MEDIUM 4 7 2 6 3 5 9 8 1 9 3 5 2 3 6 9 8 4 1 7 2 5 5 6 2 7 6 9 4 7 1 2 3 5 8 2 8 5 3 6 4 1 7 9 2 4 7 3 1 9 5 8 2 6 4 7 3 8 6 8 2 6 1 9 3 5 4 7 6 5 1 4 3 5 8 7 6 9 2 9 5 7 4 2 6 8 1 3 5 8 4 7 Difficulty: 1 7 5 3 Spot five differences. First correct entry wins an FE Week mug. Solutions: MEDIUM Email your name and picture of your completed spot the difference to: [email protected]. 2 1 6 Next edition Last Edition’s winner: Vhari Bannister