WE WANT TO ACT FREE SPEECH NO ALGORITHM AS A 'DIGITAL AND THE LEGAL WOULD EVER BAKER CLAUSE' CONUNDRUMS HAVE WORKED Page 24 Page 23 Pages 20-22
In-depth, investigative journalism, determined to get past the bluster & explain the facts for the FE & skills sector
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Providers left waiting
Adult Education Budget tender results - DELAYED Skills Bootcamp Lot 1 tender results - DELAYED Traineeship 16-19 market entry opportunity - DELAYED
See pages 4 and 5 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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Please inform the FE Week editor of any errors or issues of concern regarding this publication. 2 Contents EDITION 358
High-street names cite cost as they exit apprenticeship training market
‘If anyone can sort out this mess, Jo can’ – Williamson adviser favourite to be new Ofqual chief Page 6 Page 8
The Church of England wants to serve a new generation as we have always done Page 25
The DfE is focused on learning but a tsunami of need is upon us Page 26
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DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Sector leaders warn of ‘barmy’ delays to 16-18 traineeship expansion
no way of getting hold of one. half of 2020/21 – around 20,000 – are hoped GTA England, a membership organisation for to come from a £65 million tender for 19-to- group training associations, also told FE Week 24 traineeships. several of its members want to expand into The procurement was originally planned to get under way last summer but was Exclusive the 16-to-18 traineeship market to fill current vacancies. beset with delays – an issue that FE Week understands personally annoyed Sunak, as Providers are being blocked from offering Chief executive Mark Maudsley said: “Our it hindered his expansion plans. traineeships to 16- to 18-year-olds as the challenge is market entry opportunities at 16 to Steve Latus, the ESFA’s head of government drags its feet on a “market entry 18 as we have many with vacancies that can’t traineeships, spoke at last month’s AELP exercise” that was promised last October. be filled. Opening access would enable those conference and told delegates that growing Sector leaders are warning that the issue, members without traineeship contracts to 16-to-18 starts numbers was now his “big described as “barmy”, will put the nail in the capitalise on their excellent links with employers concern”. coffin of chancellor Rishi Sunak’s target to and create life opportunities via traineeships to “In theory we have got enough capacity to triple the number of starts this year. progress on to the apprenticeship programme. deliver because we have the colleges. But While recruitment of 19-to-24 traineeship “With the trebling of the traineeships target for actually, all the evidence says that we will learners is reportedly seeing a boost following starts, members remain very keen and able to need to grow the programme outside of just an albeit delayed tender, the growth of 16 to respond, but time is of the essence.” colleges. 18s is faltering as no such exercise for this There needs to be more than 43,000 “That is why we will be looking at age group has been forthcoming. traineeship starts between August 2020 and July coming out in the near future with an The Education and Skills Funding Agency is 2021 to meet Sunak’s tripling target, which was announcement about growing the 16-to-18 understood to be relying mainly on colleges set in July 2020 as part of his plan for jobs. programme. I can’t go any further than that with 16-to-19 study programme contracts to Latest government data only spans the period today…but unless we grow the programme ramp up delivery but is now conceding they August to January but shows a total of 8,800 with more independent providers, we won’t will need to expand the independent training starts. achieve the target.” provider market to achieve significant growth. Compared to the same period in 2019/20, Simon Ashworth, the AELP’s chief policy A 16-to-18 “market entry exercise” was starts for 19 to 24s went up 44 per cent, from officer, claimed his organisation is “seeing promised last year but it is still yet to get off 1,600 to 2,300, but starts for 16 to 18s dropped providers with demand for young people the ground. The ESFA continues to tell FE four per cent, from 6,800 to 6,500. but they can’t get hold of any funding to Week that it will be launched in “due course”. The sluggish take-up comes despite the help them”. He said opening up the market Let Me Play Ltd, which won a £3 million government reforming the funding rules for should a “no-brainer”. contract to deliver 19-to-24 traineeships this traineeships in September, which included He told FE Week: “The ESFA is trying to go year, is one provider pleading with the agency increasing the funding rate for 19 to 24s by to colleges with study programme contracts to give it the opportunity to deliver the pre- 54 per cent, from £970 to £1,500, and opening which allows them to move into traineeships employment programme to 16 to 18s. them up to people who already hold a level 3 and encourage them to do more 16-to-18 Its co-founder and director, Matthew Lord, qualification. traineeships. But they’re not going to triple said: “We work with 16- to 18-year-olds Employer cash incentives of £1,000 for each the numbers with that as a strategy. on NEET contracts in London. We are keen traineeship learner they take on were also “It seems barmy that you open up the to develop pathways for young people to introduced. 19-to-24 market, you’ve got providers progress and enter the world of work A big chunk of the starts needed in the last with young people and good links to – traineeships would be one of those employers but nothing on 16 to 18. options, along with our apprenticeship Unless they open up the market quickly, provision. they’re not going to hit the target on “It would make sense to be able to their backs.” offer them the same opportunities as Ashworth believes the ESFA should we can for the 19- to 24-year-olds.” give providers that passed the 19-to-24 The Association of Employment and procurement automatic ability to deliver Learning Providers claims there have to 16-to-18 traineeships and then run a been instances where providers have “mini market entry event for those that had to turn 16 to 18s away as a result of didn’t bid”. having no contract for this provision and
4 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Tick tock: AEB and bootcamp tender outcomes delayed
BILLY CAMDEN [email protected]
The outcomes of the national adult education budget and skills bootcamps tenders have been delayed. In a message to bidders of the £73 million AEB procurement on Thursday, the Education and Skills Funding Agency said the results will be issued “very shortly” but not on June 24 as planned. The agency had told FE Week earlier this week they were “on track” to announce the winners this week. Thursday’s message provided no reason for the delay. It said: “We previously communicated that providers would be notified on the outcome of refusing to sign contracts after finding out of setbacks. It is a “re-procurement” their bids on or around June 24, 2021 via the the government would be paying research exercise, and follows roughly the same scope e-procurement portal Jaggaer. consultants to randomly reject half of all as the controversial AEB tender that caused “We wish to update you that award decision eligible applicants. havoc in 2017 – the contracts for which notices will not be issued on June 24, but will Their challenge forced the ESFA into a expire this year. follow very shortly.” U-turn. The procurement includes caps Bidders to one of the two lots of skills Commenting on an initial delay to tender depending on the type of provider applying bootcamps tenders are also still awaiting their results in April, Association of Employment for the funding to “mitigate significant results, despite being told they should start and Learning Providers chief executive Jane oversubscription and speculative bidding”. delivering the courses from this month. Hickie said: “If it goes on much longer, AELP A minimum contract value has been set at Each tender was worth £18 million. Lot 2 members would find this delay very worrying £150,000 and a maximum of £3 million. results were communicated in May but the in terms of being able to start delivery next Priority courses for this tender include results of lot 1 are still not known. month and to deliver the expected outcomes the new first full level 3 qualification offer Asked for an update on the results this in the projected 12-month contract period.” for those aged 24 and over as per the prime week, an ESFA spokesperson told FE Week: She added that given the “recent track- minister’s lifetime skills guarantee, as well “We cannot comment at this stage as details record” on missed procurement outcome as sector-based work academy programmes regarding the procurement are commercially deadlines, an “even bigger worry” would be (SWAPs) – both of which were key features in sensitive and therefore confidential. a delay in announcing the adult education the chancellor’s Plan for Jobs. “Contracts will be published on the budget procured contracts for 2021/22. The total AEB procurement could government’s Contracts Finder website in due “We really can’t afford to see this happen potentially reach £157 million if extensions course.” when we are supposed to be supporting adult are granted in future years, but these are not There have been growing concerns about the learners affected by the pandemic’s impact.” guaranteed. limited time providers will have to spend the Bids for a slice of the AEB funding initially The service start date is set for August 1, bootcamps funding, considering it must be up for grabs in 2021/22 opened in February 2021. used by the end of March 2022. and closed in March. This tender is just for the national budget, This was exacerbated this month when the The ESFA had originally planned to launch not for devolved combined authorities, which bootcamp winning providers from lot 2 were the tender in July 2020 but it faced a number run their own procurements.
5 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] High-street names cite cost as they exit apprenticeship training market
FRASER WHIELDON [email protected]
Exclusive
Several major retailers have turned their backs on delivering their own apprenticeships, with one blaming the costs of training as the reason for their exit. Sixty-four providers made “unplanned exits” from publicly funded provision in 2019/20, as revealed in the impact assessment for the government’s landmark Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, published in May. A freedom of information request by FE Week has now uncovered major retailers such as Boots Opticians, Halfords, Thomas Cook and Greggs were among those that stopped delivering. 2020 as the new model means “we can be more A spokesperson for the new brand said they All of them have now handed training over to responsive to business needs”, but refused to are “absolutely keen to bring in apprentices external providers. elaborate. as the travel industry rebounds. Halfords, a major retailer of motoring It had been graded ‘requires improvement’ “We hope that 2022 will bring a more stable and cycling goods, already canned its level by Ofsted, but made ‘reasonable progress’ in holiday-buying pattern so that we can grow 2 provision, which the vast majority of its every area of a monitoring visit covering over 100 sustainably, bringing in fresh talent to our apprentices were part of, in April 2019. apprentices in 2019. core areas of digital and customer service,” It made a full exit from training apprentices Bakery chain Greggs, which binned its training though the spokesperson said they would only in May 2020, with a spokesperson saying they in 2019, also did not elaborate on its decision bring in a “handful” of learners. began using an outsourced training provider not to reapply for the register of apprenticeship While it is not set in stone, the spokesperson as it was “a more cost-effective way to deliver training providers that year. indicated they would use a hybrid of in-house apprenticeships and ensure the quality of our A spokesperson would only say: “We remain and outsourced training delivery. apprenticeship programmes”. committed to supporting the development Virgin Trains ceased trading in December While the retailer did not expand on its reasons and growth of our people and continue to run 2019 after it lost the franchise to run train for leaving publicly funded training, it previously apprenticeship programmes and a number of services on the west coast to Avanti, which said dropping level 2 provision was caused by other schemes to help encourage people into took on their employees. costs incurred from slashes to government employment across the business, both internally Over 100 apprentices came with them, funding. and with external providers.” and their training is now being delivered by An internal email seen by FE Week in 2019 Holiday company Thomas Cook, which had organisations external to Avanti. revealed managers believed the 20 per cent yet to be visited by Ofsted, entered liquidation Of the other providers that made unplanned reduction in funding for the level 2 retailer in September 2019, the same month it made its exits from ESFA-funded provision in 2019/20, standard from £5,000 to £4,000 in December unplanned exit. 19 left after a new-provider-monitoring would “adversely impact on the quality of The following month, its retail arm was acquired Ofsted report found them making ‘insufficient programme Halfords can offer, impacting the by Hays Travel, headed by DfE non-executive progress’. current curriculum, which received praise during director Irene Hays. The new owners offered all A further eight left after receiving a grade our recent inspection”. of Thomas Cook’s former employees a job and a three or four from the watchdog. Halfords received a ‘good’ grade from Ofsted for spokesperson told FE Week 31 apprentices chose Twenty-one had either a grade 2 or had its provision to over 1,000 apprentices in 2019. to continue their programme with Hays Travel. made ‘reasonable’ or ‘significant’ progress Boots Opticians Professional Services Limited, The Thomas Cook brand has since been bought according to a monitoring visit. an arm of the high-street pharmacists, told up by Chinese company Fosun Tourism Group and Sixteen did not have a report published FE Week it abandoned direct training in May re-established as an online-only service. when they exited.
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‘If anyone can sort out this mess, Jo can’ – Williamson adviser favourite to be new Ofqual chief
had a “very positive relationship” with Saxton “and our experience is that she listens to the views of school and college leaders”. Gavin Williamson has put forward his own “This is a crucial appointment at any time policy adviser to be the next chief regulator of but particularly given the challenges ahead Ofqual, prompting warnings over the body’s with next year’s public exams following supposed independence. the disruption caused by coronavirus. The Department for Education announced We will need Ofqual to be responsive to last week that Dr Jo Saxton, who founded and circumstances, clear in its communications, ran the Turner Schools academy trust before and to maintain a good dialogue with the moving to her current job, was the education sector. We think that is what Jo will deliver.” secretary’s preferred candidate to take up the Saxton’s time at Turner Schools was not role from September. without controversy. Set up in 2016, the trust The appointment comes at a time of crisis is now made up of five schools, including two for the regulator, which has been without a that were stripped from the failed Lilac Sky permanent head since Sally Collier resigned academy trust. Jo Saxton last year in the wake of the exam grading fiasco. Despite the trust’s size, Saxton was paid Former chief Dame Glenys Stacey initially almost £150,000 a year. returned for three months, and ex-exam board executive Tom Bewick said the committee Writing on the Kent Independent Education boss Simon Lebus has been interim head since would “want to assure itself that the chief Advice website, former headteacher Peter January. Ian Bauckham, another adviser to the regulator can restore Ofqual’s status to Read claimed there was a “chasm” between government, is its interim chair. being a strong independent body, capable of Saxton’s “rhetoric” and the outcomes at The proposed appointment of another close inspiring public confidence in all forms of Turner Schools. government ally to an independent position qualifications and examinations”. Only two of the trust’s five schools have has raised eyebrows across the education He added: “In the past, being a close been inspected since joining. Morehall sector. It follows the appointment of Dame confidante and policy adviser to the secretary Primary school was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in Rachel de Souza, a close friend of former of state for education would be seen as a 2019. Martello Primary received a “requires academies minister Lord Agnew, as children’s straightforward disqualification for a non- improvement” grade in 2018, though the commissioner last year. ministerial departmental role like this, but report did rate leadership as ‘good’ and Saxton has links to another former academies clearly the civil service recruitment panel praised Saxton’s “passion to ensure the minister – Lord Nash – who appointed her as and Gavin Williamson has taken a different highest standards”. chief executive of his Future Academies chain view.” At Martello, 41 per cent of pupils reached in 2012. Former colleagues speak highly of Saxton. the expected standard in reading, writing and Dennis Sherwood, an exams expert and Mike Buchanan, chair of Turner Schools, maths in 2019, compared with 65 per cent vocal Ofqual critic, said the appointment of a described her as “inspiring”, and said she had nationwide. Folkestone Academy’s progress government adviser to the role “sends shivers been “fearless in tackling low expectations 8 score was -0.61, well below the national down my spine”. He has warned that the and underperformance”. average. regulator is not fit for purpose and should be He added: “I’m sure she will bring similar Read also pointed to high exclusion “disbanded”. rigour, clarity and drive in her challenging rates at the schools in 2017-18. But a trust He added: “Appointing someone close to new role.” spokesperson said fixed-term exclusions [Williamson] seems to me to signal a fast Another Saxton ally, who did not want had fallen from 790 at Folkestone Academy reversion to the status quo … when what we to be named, said she was “absolutely and 21 at Martello in 2017-18 to 106 and three really need is a new broom.” singleminded about doing everything respectively in 2019-20. Because the appointment of Saxton would be possible for the most disadvantaged kids”. A spokesperson said: “Turning around a permanent one, she must first appear in front “She is whip-smart and doesn’t suffer fools. schools that have been struggling for years of the Parliamentary education committee next If anyone can sort out this mess, Jo can.” takes time and, in the early days when week. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL expectations on behaviour were being reset, Federation of Awarding Bodies chief school leaders’ union, said his organisation exclusions were high.”
8 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] DfE goes back out to advert for Skills Reform Board chair
FRASER WHIELDON [email protected]
Exclusive
The government is struggling to find candidates to chair a “key” new board that will oversee skills reforms. The Skills Reform Board was formed in March 2021 in the wake of the publication of the Skills for Jobs white paper and prime minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a lifetime skills guarantee. The board is made up of civil servants and its role is to “provide oversight, decision- making and assurance across the skills reform portfolio to ensure that the key aims But the department relaunched the advert level three qualification; the lifelong loan of the reform are delivered”, according to a on June 18. entitlement; as well as new and revitalised Department for Education spokesperson. Asked why they had gone back out to training programmes such as the skills It is intended to be the “key governance advert, a DfE spokesperson said: “Given the bootcamps, Kickstart and traineeships. mechanism” for the skills reform delivery importance of the role, we want to ensure Further reforms, such as new intervention portfolio. The board is meant to thrash out that we have the best possible selection powers for the education secretary and solutions for any problems that arise with the of candidates available. We have therefore a local skills improvement plans, will be portfolio and advise on decisions that cannot extended the advertisement application coming in future years once the Skills Bill is be resolved by individual civil servants. period to allow for this.” put into law. The DfE refused to disclose how many Applications for the Skills Reform Board “Given the importance people, if any, had applied in the first round. chair will close on July 18, and the DfE hopes Last year, the DfE appointed Sky executive to announce the appointment in September. of the role, we want to Stephen van Rooyen to lead its new Skills and An advert on the Cabinet Office’s ensure that we have the Productivity Board, advising the government Public Appointments website reveals best possible selection of on how courses and qualifications should the department is looking for “someone align to the skills that employers will need who is confident and constructive in their candidates available” following the pandemic. approach, and who can think both broadly and The Skills Reform Board is different and is independently”. being chaired on an interim basis by the DfE’s Candidates have to show experience of But the hunt for somebody to become the lead non-executive board member, former working at a high level in business or at independent chair for this “high-profile” Co-Operative Group chief executive Richard another organisation, with senior-level and “exciting” opportunity has proved Pennycook. It has met three times since its management in addition to, or in place of, problematic. formation three months ago. board experience. The role, offering a three-year term with The government has been recently rolling Extensive experience of risk management is £400 per meeting for 12 90-minute meetings out a multitude of new skills and further also essential, as is an understanding of how a year, was originally opened for applications education programmes and reforms. to deliver “complex and board programmes/ in April, with a deadline of May 10. This includes the entitlement to a first, full portfolios” and an ability to think strategically.
9 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Education to ‘broaden minds’: is Ofsted chief inspector singing a new tune?
people into employment. FRASER WHIELDON [email protected] The strategy, published in 2017 and now being replaced with the government’s Plan for Growth, identified four grand challenges, The Ofsted chief inspector appears to have including pivoting government and industry changed her view on using education to to being at the forefront of emerging trends direct learners into work, after years of such as artificial intelligence, clean growth attacking arts courses for their minimal job and the future of mobility (such as self- prospects. driving cars). Speaking at the Festival of Education on Challenged on the contradiction after Thursday, Amanda Spielman said inspections her speech, Spielman said colleges had to should not focus on a “utilitarian” view of “balance” developing young minds while also education. setting them up for work: “What matters is “We do children a great disservice if we see making sure the path you steer young people them only as economic units, with education is properly suited to their skills, but you as the path to work-readiness, important as don't risk trapping them in a dead end where that is,” she told the event. they suddenly find they spent several years Amanda Spielman She went on to say: “Back in 2017, I said studying a thing, and it's really hard for them that education should be about broadening to get from that to employment. minds, enriching communities and advancing “bad,” just that: “When so many people opt She said inspectors had visited providers civilisation. About leaving the world a better for them with little or no prospect, there is a where the balance had “tilted too far place than we found it. That’s what I believed risk of setting up problems.” towards collecting funding or stacking then – and that’s what I believe today.” She later followed up on this theme at the up performance table points,” where the This argument sharply contradicts the launch of Ofsted’s 2018/19 annual report in interests of young people had gotten “lost”. litany of comments she has made in the past, January 2020, warning providers in a speech “It's about making sure that that young pushing for skills provision to be targeted at against “flooding a local job market with people are well advised and do the kind of job opportunities. young people with low-level arts and media education programme at every stage that Spielman courted controversy in a speech qualifications, when the big growth in demand both keeps the broadest set of opportunities, to the Association of Colleges annual is for green energy workers”. but creates some coherent path towards a conference in 2018, when she said there This approach would lead to “too many plausible future for them.” was a “mismatch” between the numbers of under-employed and dissatisfied young Education secretary Gavin Williamson, students taking arts and media courses “and people and wind turbines left idle. We who recently handed Spielman another the employment prospects at the end”. need a clearer focus on matching skills to two years as chief inspector, on Thursday She cited course adverts listing potential opportunities.” told the higher education think-tank HEPI’s jobs in the arts, which were “in reality, The report itself argued the apprenticeship conference that universities ought to “follow unlikely to be available to the vast majority system needed to target levy money “more the lead of further education colleges” and of learners but underplay the value of other directly at skills shortages”. offer more higher technical qualifications and skills these courses develop”. This was because of a “gap between apprenticeships, which should be “geared This suggested the students taking these the knowledge and skills required for our towards real jobs and the actual skills needs subjects outnumbered the job openings, she economy and future and current provision”, of local employers and the economy”. argued. “Ultimately, there have to be viable particularly affecting low-skilled workers. While insisting he was not attacking arts prospects at the end,” she said, much to the Therefore, the further education and skills courses, Williamson continued: “We must consternation of audience members. sector “needs to work much more in tandem never forget that the purpose of education Spielman later clarified her remarks by with the government’s industrial strategy”, is to give people the skills that will lead to a assuring delegates the courses were not which set out plans to invest in skills to guide fulfilling working life.”
10 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected]
Confusion and heavy lobbying forces Ofsted to ‘clarify’ Baker clause approach
FRASER WHIELDON [email protected]
Ofsted inspectors will “always” report where a school fails to comply with the Baker clause and “consider” how it affects their grade, the watchdog has clarified following mounting pressure. Earlier this week, the Commons education select committee recommended schools be limited to ‘requires improvement’ if they are not allowing training providers to access their pupils, as mandated by the clause. Ofsted bosses had also provoked confusion last week by contradicting one another on clause,” the spokesperson said. not want it to get an inspection grade any whether inspection grades should be limited This clarification came after Ofsted chief higher than ‘requires improvement’. if a school is failing to meet its obligations inspector Amanda Spielman told the select The inspectorate has also been coming under the clause. committee it would be “unlikely” a school under pressure from other government Following the report’s publication, an could be graded ‘outstanding’ if it was bodies which have expressed concern Ofsted spokesperson told FE Week: “We’ll found to be non-compliant with the clause. over schools’ low regard for the clause. soon be updating our handbooks to clarify UCAS reported last month that one- inspectors will always report where schools “Updating our handbooks third of students are not told about fall short of the requirements of the Baker apprenticeships, while the chief executive clause, as well as considering how it affects to clarify inspectors will of the Careers and Enterprise Company, a school’s grade.” always report where Oli de Botton, told the AELP conference The Baker clause, named after its author, schools fall short of it was “true historically that there hasn’t former education secretary Kenneth Baker, been enough access for ITPs or enough was passed into law in 2018. the requirements” information about apprenticeships and Ofsted is planning to carry out a thematic technical routes for young people”. review of careers advice in schools, under This contradicted the watchdog’s deputy Baker, now a member of the House orders from the Department for Education. director of FE and skills Paul Joyce, who of Lords, is also seeking to amend The watchdog’s spokesperson stated that told the Association of Employment and the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill “good-quality” careers advice is “really Learning Providers national conference currently going through parliament to important”, and the clause already forms earlier this month that compliance with make his clause a statutory duty. part of the “personal development” the clause should not be a “determining This would mean stakeholders such as grade in an Ofsted report. factor” of an inspection grade. parents or providers could take schools Inspectors are also trained The select committee’s report, to court over non-compliance with the to understand the clause’s mainly into the educational clause. requirements and how to disadvantages of white working- Speaking about what Ofsted could look for them, while most class boys, found that “for too do about non-compliance, Baker told reports include a mention of long” schools have “failed to fully FE Week: “If the school is not actually careers education “even if they deliver” on the Baker clause. implementing the clause, and if they’re don’t specifically report on So, if Ofsted finds a school likely to be ‘outstanding’, they shouldn’t compliance with the Lord Baker is not complying, MPs do be given ‘outstanding’.”
11 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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New provider hits out at validity of Ofsted inspection done ‘on limited contact time’
FRASER WHIELDON meant apprentices receive a “poor” standard earliest convenience.” [email protected] of training. The inspectorate did say apprentices Tutors do not teach the curriculum for the nearing the end of their programme level 5 standard in a “logical order”, with understand the requirements of their A new apprenticeship provider has expressed apprentices attending monthly management assessment. its “frustrations” with the validity of an Ofsted workshops and having to choose online Leaders were also praised for providing report that now threatens its ability to recruit. topics to learn in between them. subject-specific training for staff, so tutors MRG Services UK Limited’s 76 apprentices Yet MRG says the comments regarding its attend leadership development webinars on were found to “not develop substantial new delivery “are not based upon fact”. “agile leadership”. knowledge, skills and behaviours” among a Ofsted also found the provider did not Tutors develop their occupational litany of criticisms, in a monitoring report have “effective safeguarding arrangements knowledge and provide learners with up-to- published on Tuesday that resulted in in place”, and do not carry out “appropriate date learning. ‘insufficient progress’ judgments in every area. checks” when hiring new people. A provider is usually suspended from Inspectors discovered “too many cases” Apprentices did not know who to report recruiting apprentices if they score at least where the apprentices, studying the level 5 safeguarding concerns to at MRG, and only one ‘insufficient progress’ judgment in a operations/departmental manager, level 2 knew how to keep themselves safe in the new provider monitoring report, in line with fenestration (glass-fitting), or level 3 and 4 workplace because of training by their Education and Skills Funding Agency rules. business and teaching standards were “simply employer, Ofsted deepening their understanding of topics and said. consolidating existing skills”. MRG Services But the Merseyside-based provider has said they take hit back, saying that while it accepts the safeguarding inspection process is “vital” to ensuring “very seriously”, improvement, “our frustrations, which adding: “We have unfortunately continued through the must seek to complaint process, centre on the validity of maintain a evidence in the one-and-a-half-day visit”. robust system.” Inspectors, the provider said, visited while However, they many of the staff were still working from also said they home or furloughed, which “inevitably led to would challenge very limited contact time”. the overarching HIGH-QUALITY RESOURCES The inspector covering themes one and two judgments. of the inspection – ensuring that the provider “Thankfully, OVER is meeting all the requirements of successful the due process OVER 15 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE apprenticeship provision, and ensuring that is for a repeat AS A RECOGNISED apprentices benefit from high-quality training visit to take place * APPRENTICESHIP90 that leads to positive outcomes – did so from within a very AO PROVIDERS home, allegedly. short period of COMPLIMENTARY As such, they did not have direct access to time, when we RECOGNISED any observations of teaching and learning, believe that our GUARANTEE OF MRG’s enrichment programme, session frustrations over EXPERT evaluations, or action reports, the provider the validity of QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSORS claimed. this monitoring *Awarding organisation The report says leaders “do not have an visit will be To find out more, visit our website www.activeiq.co.uk accurate oversight of apprentices’ progress”, vindicated. or email [email protected] and quote ‘EPAJUN2021’ so do not adequately support learners who fall “We welcome behind. this further A lack of challenge from the governing board visit at Ofsted’s T 01480 467 950, option 7
12 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Five things Gavin Williamson told parliament this week
and FE providers that are due a visit. awarding session and supporting youngsters Education select committee member and the as they took their exams and we will look at Conservative MP for Wantage, David Johnston, having a similar set of measures that can be explained that some schools in his constituency brought forward in order to be able to support Education secretary Gavin Williamson was were “living on an old Ofsted judgment where pupils as they take assessments.” grilled by MPs on multiple occasions in they know they’ve improved and it would parliament this week. Here are five things we help their admissions if they could show that University admissions to learned: improvement”. 4 be rushed through Ofsted’s chief inspector Amanda Spielman The government wants to New IfATE powers ‘strike appeared before the committee last week rush through its plans for a 1the right balance’ and raised concerns about the length of time post-qualifications admissions (PQA) system The education secretary between inspections for ‘outstanding’ providers. for universities “without legislation”, the defended plans to hand new Principals of grade three colleges are also education secretary said. powers to the government’s in uproar after they were excluded from yet Williamson told the House of Commons on apprenticeships quango, another government fund because they are Monday during education questions that “we saying it will “strike the right stuck with the rating, with no way to improve, as really want to bring PQA forward as rapidly balance” with Ofqual’s responsibilities. revealed by FE Week last week. as possible”, and said he would like to do it Williamson, speaking to the education select Williamson said the Department for Education “without legislation and in cooperation with committee, called proposals to hand the (DfE) “would certainly be looking at a whole the sector”. Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical range of different options, including accelerated But the government will still drive the Education sign-off on approving and regulating inspection” to tackle this issue. reforms forward even “if we aren’t able technical qualifications a “tidying up measure”. He added Johnston was “right to highlight” to have that cooperation”, the education The Federation of Awarding Bodies has the need for schools and FE providers to secretary said. warned this would introduce a “material progress out of lower grades and the lack of The Department for Education launched a conflict of interest” as the institute is inspections in those rated ‘outstanding’. consultation in January on proposals to allow responsible to ministers rather than students to receive offers from university parliament, and that the measure “sets the Adaptations for 2022 exams to ensure based on their actual grades, rather than scene for a muddled and cumbersome two-tier 3 ‘right level of support’ for students predictions. system of qualifications regulation”. The government is looking at a “similar set The consultation, which closed in May, set But Williamson told MPs he felt “the right of measures” for the 2022 exams as those out two different proposed models, one which sort of balance” had been struck between proposed for this summer’s series before would see pupils apply to university after Ofqual and IfATE “in order to be able to give formal tests were cancelled, Williamson told receiving their A-level results, and another IfATE all the powers it properly needs in order the education select committee. where pupils would make ‘pre-qualification’ to deliver the work it needs to do. He said they “very much hope and intend” applications but would only receive offers “But I always accept people will have for exams and vocational and technical after results are announced. different views and IfATE also seem to have the qualifications to go ahead next year. confidence and belief that they had the tools Last December, ministers proposed that ‘Very committed’ to Catholic sixth- they need.” grades for 2021 exams would be as generous 5 form college academisation He added: “It’s important that we have two as those in 2020, and that students would get The government changed the rules organisations that are looking at slightly advance notice of topics in certain subjects and in 2015 to allow sixth-form colleges different sectors but there is crossover, and be allowed to use exam aids. But the measures to become academies, and in doing we expect those organisations to all work in were ditched in January when exams were so avoid paying VAT. harmony and close cooperation together and cancelled. But Catholic sixth-form colleges I think that that’s something that can be done Simon Lebus, Ofqual’s interim chief regulator, have complained that they are still prevented and can be achieved.” revealed in March that government was from converting because their religious During the Bill’s second reading in the House considering adaptations “along the lines that character would not be maintained. of Lords last week, Labour spokesperson had been originally contemplated for this year”. On Monday, Williamson was asked during Baroness Wilcox raised concern about the Williamson confirmed the government was education questions whether he would proposal and said they will “seek to amend considering such measures this week. allow an amendment to the Skills Bill “to the Bill to ensure that Ofqual remains the sole Asked what plans government have in provide an opportunity for Catholic sixth- body” in this space. place for exams next year, he said: “We are form colleges to academise with the legal considering what we need to do to ensure protections they need”. ‘Accelerated inspections’ to help that there’s fairness and there’s the right Williamson said he was “aware of how 2Ofsted tackle Covid backlog level of support for pupils as they take these important this is, and we look at all legislative Williamson revealed the government qualifications. I think that’s the right approach. opportunities to see as to how this can best is looking to accelerate the timetable for Ofsted “We had quite an extensive package of be done and we’re very committed at the inspections to address the backlog of schools measures that was intended for this years’ earliest opportunity to make it happen”.
13 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected]
Introducing the Skills Development Hub
The home of skills excellence for teachers and trainers. Visit On demand professional development resources. Interactive modules for classroom and remote learning. today.
Thank you teachers and tutors As the BTEC Awards 2021 draws closer, we can’t wait to announce this year’s fantastic winners and their achievements. But behind every incredible learner, there is an inspirational teacher or tutor. We want to thank you for your hard work, innovation, resilience and determination, especially over the last 18 months. Join the celebration on Wednesday 7 July 2021 at 2pm as we award our BTEC stars of 2021.
Find out more at btec.co.uk/awards
14 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? News CONTACT US [email protected] Silver award winners announced by Pearson Teaching Awards
FREDDIE WHITTAKER [email protected] THE 102 WINNERS
The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School, The Award for Making a Difference – Inspirational teachers, leaders, support staff, supported by Randstad Primary School of the Year, supported by PiXL schools and colleges from across the country have Catherine Magee, St Comgall’s Primary School Arthur Bugler Primary School, Arthur Bugler Primary School Jacqueline Birch, St Peter’s C of E Primary School Chantlers Primary School been honoured for their outstanding commitment Jade Martin, Loscoe C of E Primary School Hudson Road Primary School to changing the lives of their students. Jill Stevens, Collingbourne C of E Primary School Khalsa Primary School Melissa Sladen, Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School Manorfield Primary School A total of 102 winners have scooped silver Rebecca Sutton, Whiteley Primary School Roundhay School Primary Campus awards in the annual Pearson National Teaching Ross Hasler, Honiton Primary School Ryan Walters, Ernesettle Community School The Award for Making a Difference – Awards. The names were announced on Thursday Stacey Harris, Coed Eva Primary Secondary School of the Year, supported by PiXL to coincide with National Thank A Teacher day. Tim Eustace, St Peter’s C of E Primary School Casterton College, Rutland Yasmin Taylor, Roundhay School Primary Campus Sedgefield Community College The silver award-winners will now be shortlisted Wymondham College to win one of 15 gold awards. The winners of the The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School, supported by Nord Anglia Education The Award for Impact through Partnership final will be announced in the autumn on BBC1’s Abigail Chase, Bassaleg School ACS International Schools Partnerships The One Show. Andrew Kyprianou, WMG Academy for Young Engineers Haringey Learning Partnership Coventry The Isle of Arran Cluster, Arran High School Author Sir Michael Morpurgo, president of the Emma Beaton, Sandringham School The Roma – Narrowing the Gap Team, Queen Katharine Teaching Awards Trust, said National Thank A Hope Vardon-Prince, Northolt High School Academy Jane Marshall, Rainhill High School Teacher Day “gives us all a chance – children, Karen Sims, Solihull Alternative Provision Academy The Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education families, all of us – to pay tribute to those Lisa Kelly, The Gateway Academy Aine Mellon, St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s College Mark Bailey, Netherhall School Rachel Elliott Downing, Kenton School wonderful educators who change more lives than Matthew Shaw, The Ruth Gorse Academy Sam Newton, The Children’s Trust School they will ever know”. Rachel Glasgow, Monkton Senior School Sarah Anderson Rawlins, TBAP Unity Academy Robert Thorp, Hitchin Boys’ School Stephen Evans, Derwen College Sharon Hague, senior vice president of schools Ute Steenkamp, The Gateway Academy at Pearson UK, said she wanted to “say thank you Victoria Carey, Mary Immaculate High School The Award for Digital Innovator of the Year, supported by Nord Anglia Education to all the incredible staff who have kept children The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary Calum Coutts, Riverbrae School and young people learning despite unprecedented School, supported by Hays Education Catriona Houston, St Patrick’s College Gerard Curley, Neilston Primary School Christian Aspinall, Eldon Primary School challenges”. Jeremy Hannay, Three Bridges Primary School Emma Darcy, Denbigh High School This year represents a big rise in winners. There Navroop Mehat, Wexham Court Primary School Joe Yates, Park View Primary School Cambuslang Philip Barlow, Chantlers Primary School Michael Law, Park View Primary School Cambuslang were 76 last year, and 68 in 2019. Reema Reid, Hollydale Primary School Toby Osborne, Ferndown Upper School Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the David Jenkins, Ysgol Ty Coch (all-through school, joint with secondary) The Award for FE Lecturer of the Year, supported by DfE “hard work and dedication” of teachers during the Carina Ancell, Newham Sixth-Form College pandemic had been “inspiring”. The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary Gemma Westlake, Basingstoke College of Technology School, supported by Hays Education Jonathan Rogers, Gower College Swansea “While our teachers deserve the country’s Alan Pithie, Auchmuty High School Laura Denton, Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher recognition every year, this year’s Thank A Michael Allen, Lisneal College Education Steve Elliott, Wrenn School Melissa Tisdale, Walsall College Teacher Day is even more significant. David Jenkins, Ysgol Ty Coch (all-through school, joint Paul Mercer, South Eastern Regional College (Bangor) “The support they have provided children, young with primary) The Award for FE Team of the Year, supported by DfE people and adults has been remarkable, and each The Award for Lifetime Achievement, supported by DfE The Beauty Therapy and Makeup Artistry Team, North and every one of us should be grateful for the part Gerrard Smith, The Jo Richardson Community School Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College Marie Lindsay, Saint Mary’s College The Foundation Learning Team, Telford College they have played over the past 18 months.” Mary Graham, Kingsdale Foundation School The Hospitality and Catering Team, Eastleigh College Rosemary Littler, Liscard Primary School The PE Department, New College Pontefract Sheila Edgar, The Elizabethan Academy The Performing Arts Team, Newham Sixth-Form College Stuart Maxwell, Eastwood High School The Sports Department at Wigan and Leigh College, Wigan Sue Bailey, The Arthur Terry School and Leigh College
The Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year, The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner supported by DfE and Community Support Aashna Jethmalani, Haileybury Turnford All Saints C of E Primary School, Bolton Georgina Pennycook, Heathcote School Blaine Stewart, Derrygonnelly Primary School Hannah Lewis, Troedyrhiw Community Primary Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre, QEH School Joseph Gill, Willows High School Eden Academy Trust’s Family Services Team, comprising Rob Plumbly, Swallowfield Lower School Jan Ahmad, Sophia Barton, Lisa Hatcher, Janet Lobb, Louise Sam Craggs, Malton School Mullins, Kelle Sharpe and Shriti Thompson at Pentland Field Zoe Leyland, Summerseat Methodist Primary School School Edmund Rice College The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year Frankie Arundel, Firth Park Academy Dawn Watts, Western Community Primary School Ian Sippitt, Aurora Eccles School Dorota Hall, St Edward’s School Matt Jenkins and Jo Fison, Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Ian Clash, New Horizons Learning Centre – Secondary Education Madison Bertalan, Fourfields Community Primary School Rebecca Garratt, The Wyre Forest School Mark Berryman, Chiltern Way Academy – Wendover Sarah Gray, ST Mary’s C of E Primary Campus Star Academies Ruth Riley, Ballykelly Primary School The Poppy Academy Trust, Fair Field Junior School
15 EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Curriculum, Quality and the Student Experience
Salary circa £120k per annum
Head of Creative Industries £47,568 - £50,599 per annum (pro-rata) TRANSFORM CURRICULUM DRIVE STANDARDS INSPIRE STUDENTS – 21.6 hours (flexible)
At Nottingham College, we are united in our passion and A new and exciting role. and approaches are fully commitment to students and their education. We have ambitious You will be joining a good embedded within the area. plans for the future and inspirational leadership is essential to the provider at a time where achievement of our strategic priorities. The portfolio is a full cost making a difference to provision where learners peoples’ lives is even more We are seeking a highly experienced and talented senior FE leader pay for leisure learning and to join us as our Deputy Principal for Curriculum, Quality and the important as we move skills development. This role Student Experience. To succeed in this role, you will have a proven out of the Pandemic. This would review our offer and track record in curriculum transformation and innovation, be role has full autonomy enhance this to maximise comfortable with driving a challenging improvement agenda, and of the creative industries will know what it takes to deliver a first-class experience for all of the benefits to the learners curriculum - develop our students. and also to the community the UAL portfolio of we serve. We have appointed FE Associates to support us with this important qualifications, pathways and appointment. Interested parties are advised to arrange an initial outcomes for learners. We particularly discussion with our lead consultant, [email protected], welcome applicants ahead of the closing date and prior to submitting an application. The new digital world from underrepresented has meant that we have backgrounds. updated the ways we are For further information visit www.fea.co.uk/nc-dp/ working this role would For more information ensure that the digital and to apply, please visit Closing date: Noon on Wednesday 21 July 2021 curriculum is embraced www.waes.ac.uk/vacancies
Interview dates: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 July 2021 and that new systems
Head of Business Development Full Time Position £38,643 rising to £42,221
Located on the edge of the Lake District, Furness College is This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced manager the largest Further Education College in Cumbria offering to lead our business and employment support team. The an extensive range of courses with a particular emphasis on manager will be responsible for working with small and large technical learning, apprenticeships and Higher Education. employers to further grow and develop our apprenticeship Following our merger with Barrow Sixth Form College in 2016, offer, supporting major employer contracts, and generating we also offer the broadest A’ level curriculum in Cumbria. We commercial revenue. The successful candidate should have have developed a strong partnerships with local employers up-to-date knowledge of the work-based learning sector, ESF together with the Universities of Cumbria, Lancaster and provision, sound knowledge of Ofsted requirements, and be Central Lancashire able to influence and support apprenticeship delivery both internally and externally. The manager will be expected to Furness College is a vibrant, innovative and fast-paced lead and develop the team, further grow and develop related college based in Barrow-in-Furness. Judged to be good by income streams and have the knowledge and skills to respond Ofsted in March 2019 and with outstanding financial health, to the changing landscape within business development. the College is ambitious about its future and is looking to appoint an innovative and forward-thinking individual to this Closing date: Thursday 8th July, 12 noon leadership post. Interview date: Thursday 15th July
Click here for more information and to apply
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Fareham College are looking for lecturers in Marine Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Installation at our award winning CEMAST campus, as well as a Faculty Director in Construction and Civil Engineering.
Experience in teaching and learning would be advantageous, the role can be an entry into teaching meaning no previous experience of teaching necessary. Fareham College will offer free teacher training to those wishing to enter the teaching profession.
CEMAST offers brand new state of the art facilities comprising of workshops, LECTURERS IN: All posts are permanent teaching classrooms, a learning resource centre and a Starbucks cafe. Fareham (salary based on increments, College offers the very best innovative learning environments in which to train, progression only if teacher learn and work. As our learning environment continues to evolve Fareham College (FE Art & Design – qualified) will equip you with the resources you need to pursue your desired career. Graphic & Digital Design) 28 hours per week If you are an experienced professional looking Actual Annual Salary - In September we will be moving to share your knowledge in a rewarding £22,583 – £27,285 to our brand new building in and exciting learning environment the centre of Middlesbrough. we would love to hear (3D & Digital Design Skills) We are looking for a high from you. 35 hours per week calibre Lecturers to work within Annual Salary - art and design, to assist the £28,230 – £34,107 Cluster Leader in the delivery of courses, ensuring a high quality (FE Art & Design) of teaching and learning for 28 hours per week students and effective student Actual Annual Salary - achievement and progression. Visit fareham.ac.uk/current-vacancies to find £22,583 – £27,285 out more about each vacancy and to apply. Closing date 2nd July 21 (FE Art & Design – Digital Art) 17.5 hours per week Download the application OUTSTANDING Actual Annual Salary - pack from our website https:// £14,115 - £17,053 northernart.ac.uk/careers/
JOB VACANCIES
Derwentside College is one of the top performing Colleges in the Country for its student achievement and satisfaction. With a turnover of £10million, employing 140 staff and running 200+ courses, we are leading the way in delivering a diverse range of services to learners and employers, not only locally but also nationally. As a result of our continued outstanding success, the College is now seeking to appoint a number of talented individuals with extensive experience to join our team. Current opportunities: • Training Consultant in Health & Social Care (3 posts delivering in the North East and 1 National - location flexible) • Training Consultant in Professional Business Services (North East Based) • Training Consultant in Hospitality & Catering (North East Based) • Lecturer in Health & Social Care (North East Based) • Business Development Consultant (North East Based) • Recruitment and Engagement Officer (North East Based) The College is positively committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend its education and training provision. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure. As an equal opportunities employer, the College welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.
Further information on each of the above posts, along with details on how to apply can be found on our website www.derwentside.ac.uk/job-vacancies Derwentside College, Front Street, Consett, County Durham, DH8 5EE
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Introducing ROGER TAYLOR Former chair, Ofqual
‘It was painful personally to me to have been involved’
JESS STAUFENBERG the regulator was tasked with in 2020. To devise Gavin Williamson stop taking credit for Ofqual’s @STAUFENBERGJ a statistical model for awarding grades when decision to switch to teacher-moderated grades nobody was sitting exams that was accurate, did (which worked). Taylor also published the The former chair of Ofqual, who oversaw the not cause inflation and was acceptable to the non-disclosure agreement Ofqual was asking grades fiasco last summer, has spent much of public. “An unsolvable problem,” he repeats. algorithm experts to sign, after being criticised his life thinking about transparency and data. Since resigning at the end of last year, Taylor for its contents. In contrast to ex-chief regulator Here he says no algorithm would ever have has kept quiet. But from last week he has been Sally Collier, who has been almost silent, Taylor worked – and why BTECs were not the main talking. Because he was not an employee, he is has been free to speak up, and even call people’s focus not forbidden by contract from speaking out – a bluff. rare privilege among ex-top decision-makers. But why speak now? It’s six months since “An unsolvable problem.” That is how Roger It’s a power Taylor has wielded before. He Taylor resigned. No one has been blaming him Taylor, former chair of Ofqual, describes what publicly demanded that the education secretary much for last year’s grading fiasco, including
20 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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BTEC results being delayed for weeks. Williamson has taken most of the blame. Yet Taylor has taken the rather unusual step of publishing an essay last week with the Centre for Progressive Policy, titled: “Is the algorithm working for us?”. Chapter One looks at “The 2020 exam debacle: how did it happen?”. Of course, by producing a defence, Taylor risks bringing criticism back on to his head. It’s a bold move. When we meet virtually this week, Taylor is sitting at a desk behind which hangs a tasteful painting and two shelves packed with vinyl records. He has a lively, intelligent face and unpacks his ideas rapidly. He’s a PPE graduate from Oxford, with an MSc in economics, and is a With Sally Collier, speaking at the Select Committee discussing Ofqual’s role in T-levels former Financial Times journalist who reported on tech before moving into data technology businesses. citizen, the problem looks different. They see “We risk missing this very basic lesson, if “It was very, very intense,” he says of the that the government has denied them the we comfort ourselves with the idea that the period when Ofqual started to design a grading chance to demonstrate that they deserve a algorithm malfunctioned.” model. “There was an incredible effort made university place […] It has put their future at In a way, Taylor is saying the mistake was by everyone to try to make something that was risk.” basically a PR one; a failure to understand workable.” With regards the BTECs delay, he adds: human psychology. “Teacher-assessed It’s important to note that Ofqual said in “We could have worked out early on that this grades are in many ways more biased than 2020 the standardisation model it devised was approach was not an acceptable route and the moderated grades,” he continues. “Their not applied to most technical and vocational planned accordingly – which would have advantage is not that they are less biased; qualifications, including BTECs. Many VTQs avoided the distress to students, including the advantage is that they allow for a could use evidence of learners’ work completed BTEC students, as well as the problems for significant amount of inflation.” during the course to calculate results, and university.” So why didn’t Ofqual spot the PR problem in other cases, learners had taken adapted sooner? assessments and so a moderation process wasn’t “We could have “That is something everyone involved needed. However, many students still faced needs to reflect on.” He points out Ofqual’s grades they felt were lower than expected in the avoided the consultation showed a degree of consensus. summer. When asked about “the relative weight But the real fall-out was for half a million distress to students, that the model should place on historical BTEC students, for whom results day brought evidence of centre performance” (a bone of unbelievable stress. including BTEC contention for many) 54 per cent agreed, The uproar about the moderated results with fewer (33 per cent) against. meant Ofqual switched, last minute, to school- students, as well as Yet even if Ofqual didn’t spot the problem based assessments for GCSEs and A-levels. This earlier, they were told about it later. The in turn meant that Pearson followed suit at the the problems for education select committee published a 11th hour with BTECs – pulling all their results university” strongly worded warning in July, but still the night before to bring them in line with the Ofqual persisted. Why not drop the model? higher grades being handed to schools. BTEC Taylor has a curious answer to this. “My students faced losing their places in further Policymakers assumed they should offer view on that is you very quickly risk the and higher education, as the clock ticked on for the same number of higher education regulator getting involved in what are weeks until all results were issued. places as normal, and fill them as accurately properly political decisions. My own stance Taylor’s point is that policymakers didn’t as possible. Instead, Taylor says inflation on that is quite conservative: politics is for realise how much students would feel the (inaccuracy) should have been allowed, and politicians.” The answer is a tricky one, as government had risked their futures. more places made available. Ofqual is an independent body, accountable He points out Ofqual “is constitutionally His argument is essentially one about the to parliament – not a blind executioner of obliged under law to prevent grades from difference between accuracy and legitimacy. DfE will. inflating”. Education ministers were adamant: “People are not willing to accept their lives The question of Ofqual’s independence no grade inflation. being affected by a decision-making process continues, as Williamson has appointed But “from the point of view of the individual driven by predictive algorithms,” says Taylor. his own policy adviser to become chief
21 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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regulator. Meanwhile, the government’s go-to their own.” copies of certificates, he says) while person to lead expert reviews, Ian Bauckham, Then there was the delay in allowing others to “look at students is now the chair. communicating what to do about in context”. It could particularly help Another big criticism levied at Ofqual was qualifications for occupational competence, disadvantaged learners, who often have a a lack of transparency. If Taylor draws a line such as licences to practice. General “thinner file”. on how “political” Ofqual should have been, he qualifications are mostly used to “rank also draws a line on how transparent. candidates”, explains Taylor, while licences He himself is an author of a book on to practice must ensure someone has an transparency, which he self-deprecatingly exact skill set. So estimating grades would “If you tell everyone says “about three people have read”. Published have meant “exposing people to risks”. The in 2016, it is called Transparency and the Open regulator decided these exams should be about the algorithm, Society. It makes the case, says Taylor, for sat later. transparency with certain limits. In a sense, The licences to practice are an example there is a risk of it it’s the same approach Taylor took with the of assessments that Ofqual saw as outside algorithm itself. what the algorithm could responsibly do – leading to gaming” Why didn’t Ofqual share the algorithm although in the end, of course, this turned model? out to be the case for all qualifications: “If you tell everyone about it, there is a risk general, vocational and occupational. It might even alleviate the 2020 of it leading to gaming,” responds Taylor. But Overall, Taylor deserves real credit situations of the future, says Taylor, surely sharing it with expert statisticians is for trying to make us think about the because “if people had richer individual not the same as sharing it with “everyone”? possibilities and limitations of algorithms, education records and realised their fate Yet Taylor holds that no standardisation model and the difference between accuracy and didn’t hang on a single grade, but a more would ever have worked. They are simply legitimacy. nuanced judgment, it might be a less unpalatable to the individual. He cares about digital technology in pressurised situation”. He is frank, meanwhile, about the focus on public services. He previously founded His belief in the smart use of data made GCSEs and A-levels rather than BTECs. He says a company, Dr Foster, which drew data the grading fiasco “quite painful to me that at a political level in 2020 “there was a lot together about hospitals, and he has worked personally”, Taylor reflects. more focus on general qualifications” than on for the Careers and Enterprise Company. “I’ve spent most of my life looking at […] vocational qualifications “primarily because He becomes passionately frustrated as how do we use data that is fair to people of the consequences around university he explains the DfE should ensure every and particularly in ways that empower admissions”. student has a “digitised record” of their individuals.” Instead the “government Across government, “we are not on the achievements and qualifications. was using data in a way that was deeply whole focused enough on getting vocational It would allow students to keep their and massively insensitive to individuals”. qualifications working the way they need to”. qualifications in one place (the biggest The son of a philosophy academic, Taylor It’s “not a problem that Ofqual can fix on request from students to Ofqual are for seems to have been genuinely mulling the philosophical problems – and opportunities – of statistical modelling since he departed. There are some holes in his answers. There is also a hole in his solution: this week, teachers warned that students with top grades had got no higher education offers, because universities had awarded too many places last year. In a way it goes to show, algorithm or no algorithm, every solution was deeply flawed. I ask Taylor why he stepped down. “Whatever you think about 2020, my view is that Ofqual is a world- class organisation. There’s not many organisations that understand assessment.” He laughs. “2021 is going to be a difficult year. It wasn’t going to help Ofqual’s case to have the same grey, old bloke in place.” Perhaps, however, Ofqual has lost one of On the BBC discussing death rates in hospitals as part of his work with Dr Foster its most open communicators.
22 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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Jane Here’s what you need to Hallas know about staff with Solicitor and head of team, Ellis ‘gender critical’ views Whittam law firm
A landmark judgment has ruled The Employment Appeal Tribunal that it is lawful to hold a belief noted that freedom of expression is that may offend or shock others, one of the essential foundations of writes Jane Hallas a democratic society, which cannot exist without pluralism, tolerance It is unlikely that Miss Jean Brodie and broadmindedness. would have cared very much It didn’t think it was for the whether she could express her court to look into the validity of admiration for Mussolini as often a person’s belief and felt that the as she does in the classic novel by state should essentially stay out of Muriel Spark. such arguments and instead look But today college leaders have to make sure there was tolerance to be ever mindful of how far they Forstater held the belief that of speech in relation to the issues on both sides. can allow freedom of expression gender is an immutable biological of gender identity and gender Beliefs that were an affront and belief in colleges. fact; a person is born either male fluidity. In Ms Forstater’s case, to ECHR principles, such as Under Section 4 of the Equality or female. her fixed-term contract was not propagating Nazism or hateful Act 2010, religion or belief is a Previously, in 2010, the EAT had renewed after she publicised on speech against minorities, were “protected characteristic”. Section given guidance about the types social media her belief that a trans not protected. But beliefs that 10 of the Act defines “belief” as any of belief that should be protected, woman is not in reality a woman. upset or shocked others are religious or philosophical belief (or referring to Article 9 of the She also said that while a person capable of being protected in a a lack of belief). European Court of Human Rights can identify as another sex and liberal society and are capable of But how far can an individual (ECHR) which allows freedom of ask other people to go along with respect in a democratic society. express their own beliefs, before it thought, conscience and belief. The that choice, and can change their This includes what have been potentially clashes with someone EAT’s criteria were that: legal sex, this does not change their called “gender critical” beliefs. else’s protected characteristic? actual, biological sex. The ruling essentially underlined Such philosophical as well as • The belief must be genuinely the importance of the right to legal conundrums can lead to real held; “This case doesn’t give express a belief that is contrary to • It must be a belief, not an opinion challenges in colleges, particularly people freedom to someone else’s belief and which over employment prospects, or viewpoint; they find offensive. discrimination claims, as well as • It must relate to a “weighty and harass or discriminate It is important to note that this the “no-platforming” of individuals. substantial” aspect of human life against members case doesn’t give people freedom and behaviour; Where does free, healthy, open of the transgender to harass or discriminate against debate in a democratic society end • It must attain a certain level of members of the transgender and hate speech – where people cogency, seriousness, cohesion community” community; college leaders feel marginalised, threatened and and importance; and must still ensure that they do afraid – begin? • It must be worthy of respect Such postings attracted not tolerate such actions in the A landmark judgment from the in a democratic society, not complaints. workplace. Employment Appeal Tribunal be incompatible with human Ms Forstater brought her claim However, the court emphasises (EAT) has now ruled that in a free- dignity, and not conflict with the on the basis that she had been freedom of speech and belief. For thinking and democratic society, it fundamental rights of others. discriminated against because these reasons, it is worth reviewing is lawful to hold a belief that may of her beliefs. She lost at the any relevant training or policies offend or shock others. There has been increasing debate Employment Tribunal stage and to check they are compatible with In Forstater v CDG Europe, Ms and media coverage over freedom appealed. this ruling.
23 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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Katie A ‘digital Baker clause’ will Bell help students make informed Executive director for apprenticeships, post-secondary choices UCAS
Students will expect to access all Students report that they viewed the information about their future a university degree as most options in one place online, writes prestigious and more likely to lead Katie Bell to a good job. Again, this underlines the This week, the education select importance of students being able committee recommended that to understand and assess their schools be limited to a ‘requires options fully, and the value they improvement’ grade if they do not provide. allow training providers to speak to So we now have a clear ambition learners. to act as a “digital Baker clause”. We It’s an effort to ensure they are to assess their options in a way undergraduate routes, students want to provide comprehensive in line with the Baker clause, that ensures they make the right are able to go to a central digital information, advice and content which exists to enable colleges decision for themselves. location, view engaging content tools to help students make and training providers to go Last month we published Where and compare various opportunities informed and aspirational post- into schools to tell them about Next? Improving the Journey to like-for-like. secondary choices. vocational and technical courses Becoming an Apprentice, the However, the experience for That’s why we’ve launched the and apprenticeships. latest in our “Where Next?” series students exploring apprenticeships UCAS Hub. At UCAS we know that young examining the student journey. It is not comparable. Only around We know teachers and advisers people are increasingly interested showed that of those looking to a quarter (26 per cent) of those are working hard to inform in these routes. The number of apply to higher education in 2022, interested in apprenticeships told students about their options (we higher and degree apprenticeship half are interested in receiving us they found it very or somewhat work with over 4,000 directly starts (those at level 4 or above) information about apprenticeships. easy to find information about every single day) and we know how has risen from 39,300 in 2018-19 apprenticeships, compared to complex this maze can be. to 51,400 in 2020-21, according to “We still see almost three-quarters (73 per cent) And those pathways are government data. They now make looking at university options. continuously changing. Through up more than three in ten starts evidence that But the challenges in the Skills for Jobs white paper, across all apprenticeships. students don’t understanding these opportunities and subsequent Skills and Post-16 We also know these numbers understand the start even earlier. Of a self-reported Education Bill, the government will climb, as the boom over the sample, only around one-third of plans to bolster higher technical past decade in children entering potential value of students reported receiving their qualifications at levels 4 and 5. primary and secondary education is apprenticeships” legal entitlement to information Students will expect to be able to about to hit post-16 education. from apprenticeship providers access information about these in a The number of 18-year-olds in the The most common apprenticeship or FE colleges, despite the Baker single location. UK is set to increase consistently areas of interest are engineering, clause. Apprenticeships listed on the over the next ten years, and by computer sciences and As Ofsted were warned again “career finder” tool of the UCAS site 2025 we forecast there will be one architecture, building and planning. this week, our report indicates have already been viewed over 1.2 million applicants globally applying They are also more likely to be from that students are not receiving million times in the past 12 months. for higher education in the UK. geographical areas with the least information about the full range of We want our service to be as As the 18-year-old population participation in higher education. options available to them. strong for would-be apprentices as grows, so will the competition The report also highlighted the We also see evidence that it is for prospective undergraduates, for these opportunities. It is only challenges faced by students when students don’t understand the bringing true parity to the student right that these students are able exploring these opportunities. For potential value of apprenticeships. journey.
24 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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Nigel The Church of England wants Genders to serve a new generation Chief education officer, Church as we have always done of England
The Church of England isn’t trying to learn. The Bishop of Durham watched a broadcast religious That’s why we are challenging to infiltrate FE colleges in some acknowledged recently that the service during the pandemic. our own church to engage much secret plan, as suggested by two Church of England itself must By this measure, the idea that more systematically in this sector secularists, writes Nigel Gender become younger and therefore faith has no place in modern that educates over 2 million people do more to engage with younger society is decidedly pre-pandemic every year. Further education institutions people. in its worldview, especially among This will mean more chaplains transform lives by preparing An article in FE Week last week younger age groups. working with their FE college people to enter the workplace, by the National Secular Society and local diocese to offer more go on to further study, retrain or rather bizarrely tried to argue “The idea that faith coordinated support. change careers and provide the that this was part of some secret Colleges have valued the skilled workforce we need for the plan. On the contrary, we are has no place in contribution of chaplaincies in future. unapologetic about seeking to modern society providing pastoral support for Their importance is affirmed in engage with and serve a new students, working alongside the Church of England’s recently generation, as this is what we have is decidedly student services, linking colleges published vision for FE Vocation, always done. pre-pandemic” with communities, contributing to Transformation & Hope, which Suggestions that spiritual curriculum enrichment, religious talks about the ways the Church guidance and support offered by Staff and students don’t leave literacy and to good relations on wants to be more involved in FE chaplaincies is either unwanted their faith or beliefs at the campus. colleges. or a niche provision also miss the college gates. They face the same Meanwhile, far from Colleges are communities mark. questions about their lives and constraining what is taught, strengthened by staff and students A recent ComRes poll showed their purpose as anyone else, theological insight can enable a of all faiths and beliefs working that almost half of adults (44 per encountering grief and loss, joy lively and holistic approach to and learning together. It is right cent) say they pray. And one in and success, celebration and forming the curriculum and the that our ambitious aim to build four people pray regularly (at least mourning. values which underpin it. a family of Church of England once a month) – a number that has So while chaplains will share Our recommendations are FE colleges should be subject to increased six percentage points some ground with counsellors, simply about doing more of what proper consideration. since a pre-pandemic survey. support officers and others we already know works; reaching So what’s in it for us? Quite Positive responses are even providing pastoral care, they have out to all those who are trying simply, an opportunity to serve, higher in the 18-to-34 age group, a unique role in helping students to serve the common good, to and to meet a genuine need. with 30 per cent saying they pray and staff to explore those areas tackle injustice and, in the current Our experience gives us regularly, and 34 per cent having that have a spiritual dimension. phrase, to build back better from something distinctive and the pandemic. important to offer – we have been We do so from our profound an education provider at a national conviction that everyone is a level for nearly 200 years. The person of value, made in the image Church of England provided a free of God, and that society urgently education some 70 years before needs that sense of human dignity the state, and today runs almost and worth to be embodied in all 5,000 schools in partnership with our social institutions. local authorities and trusts. We’re Among these we count our own also involved with universities and church, and are determined that it teacher-training institutions. too will become younger and more Of course, we also have much diverse.
25 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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Professor The DfE is focused on Sonia learning but a tsunami Blandford of need is upon us Director, Achievement for All
At the Westminster Insight SEND to go to university to study the normal points of reference been traumatic. conference, Sonia Blandford medicine. Kadija is vulnerable and shared by so many of their peers. Education institutions and third- says the government is ignoring disadvantaged but does not fall Their world is different, needing sector organisations have stepped a worrying rise in SEND and within educational, health and care significant structure and support. in to care for vulnerable and CAHMS referrals that we are not plan (EHCP) or free school meals disadvantaged young people over prepared for support or subsidies. the past 16 months. Then there is Tess. She is 16, with “Specialist help Teachers have provided daily Strange. Challenging. high-end physical and cognitive is not a luxury, one-to-one support, checked Unprecedented. Just a few of the disabilities, and significant that meal vouchers arrived and words we have all used to describe emotional needs. Tess is disabled but an absolute that there is somewhere to sleep, the period since Covid-19 has and vulnerable, but she lives in a and immediate clothes to wear. impacted on all of our lives. But rural area and her support system In the meantime, government’s while it’s been difficult enough to – including specialist teaching necessity” key focus has been on learning. But understand from the position of a and learning services – located in truth Kadija, Tess and Tom have secure family home with no prior 90 miles away. They take over two For all young people, it is home a long way to go before this is their needs, there are many for whom it hours to get to her. that provides the benchmark priority. has been simply devastating. Finally, Tom has profound and for their lives. The pandemic Their teachers, carers and In our work with education multiple learning disabilities and has caused us all to revalue support networks face the settings all over the country, we are has been living with his single the meaning of home and the challenge of providing new stable detecting a major seismic event: a mother as the primary carer along importance of the quality of reference points before any form tsunami of referrals to SEND teams with four other siblings. One of shelter, food, safety, personal of learning can take place. and CAMHS provision that will them has the same condition as growth, health and love that it Physical and emotional security, overtop the flood defences. him. His mother was diagnosed holds. We know that ‘home’ is love and belonging are their Let me talk you through some of with a mental illness two years ago where we develop and nurture our priority, so our key question must the situations students we work and since then, has been out of the core strength. be this: how will we get them the with have found themselves in. (All house, so his older brothers have So have Kadija, Tess and Tom. highly specialised and urgent names have been changed.) been the main carers. But for them and thousands support they need to overcome the Kadija is 18 and shares a bedroom Kadija, Tess and Tom share like them, watching the news or social, emotion and mental health with her mum, a single parent who a common situation, which scrolling social media, trying to issues caused by lockdown? survives by working and claiming makes them vulnerable and seek support when the structure Some of these young people benefits. Her older sister has had disadvantaged – they do not have of their lives has disappeared has would have been on a road mental health and drug problems, towards more positive life so living at home is a trial. outcomes, overcoming ACEs Kadija was to have taken A-levels. (adverse childhood experiences) But her mocks, disrupted by family through the care and support of trauma, resulted in a C, E and U, their college communities. against predicted grades of A*, C But many have been re- and C. traumatised. And for them, She is getting little additional specialist help is not a luxury, income through occasional shifts but an absolute and immediate in the pub near her house, and necessity. she has little or no motivation And supporting that ought to be to continue with her ambition the government’s priority.
26 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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REPLY OF THE WEEK
Should length of tenure for CEOs and chairs be limited?
I don’t think limiting the length of tenure is the READER'S solution, but fixed-term renewable contracts would allow us to retain the best if it was REPLY mutually agreeable to do so. I think it’s equally important to review the role of governance, strengthening boards to ensure they effectively manage the CEO and senior Should length of tenure for CEOs and chairs be limited? leadership teams.
Board members should be chosen for their It is also interesting that the long-servers, me, Paul, Sally, current complementary skills, knowledge and Shelagh and Corrienne all run very different entities to when we started, usually now a collection of colleges, so our jobs are experience, paid and held accountable for significantly different to when we started their role. Only then will we see consistent improvements Ian Pryce, Twitter Noel Johnson, website The U-turn on randomised control trials is bad news for FE
Really interesting article. I’m fully on board with the argument that “if we want the FE sector to be the best that it can be, of which will simply add a further layer of red tape and will not we need more research, not less”, but I’m just not sure help at all? A better system may be a strengthening of the current that randomised control trials are the best way to research achievement payment system or an introduction of a system that education outcomes, or are fair for learners involved. truly links progression to payment. We have seen all too often apprentices with little or no funding left at point of transfer, yet Abi A, Twitter they have not significantly progressed. This can’t be right.
Lords line up to challenge new law on provider insurance Alan Green, website
Perhaps if ITPs were treated in the same way as the rest of the
sector there would not be the need. Current policy actively The Church of England offensive in FE colleges must be destabilises ITPs. The most vulnerable organisations within resisted the sector, often working with some of the most vulnerable in society, are yet again being discriminated against and being As someone who works in the FE sector, the best way to prevent singled out. Soon you will only have large organisations, problems is to maintain a strict secular stance. Students can follow which will not be able to be as flexible and meet the needs of whatever faith they choose, but the college follows none. the most disadvantaged. Then maybe the government and its department will wake up, albeit too late. Ian Keating Travis, Twitter
Mark Pike, website Of course, what the Church of England views and this report failed
to mention is that there are already 14 faith FE colleges doing very Once again it will be the providers that are operating ethically well thank you in England and Wales and, would you believe, able who will have to bear the costs for the unscrupulous. If to function without the wild doctrinal beliefs of their chaplains learners need to be transferred with no remaining funding, but and principals. The Association of Catholic Sixth-Form Colleges no progression, then surely the ESFA should be clawing back (the majority outstanding) have been serving their communities, the funding that has been erroneously claimed? providing education to learners of all faiths or none (indeed, the vast majority of students at these colleges are not Catholic), for Gaynor Hunt, website a number of decades. With a sensible, balanced approach and
dialogue with all, we are able to function as church/order-led Time and money would be better spent policing current institutions perfectly adapted to the 21st century. provision. Do they not realise that claiming on an insurance policy of this nature typically takes weeks if not months, all Mike Hill, website
27 @FEWEEK EDITION 358 | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
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Lesley Katy Shepperson Quinn Trustee, VTCT Trustee, VTCT
Start date June 2021 Movers Start date June 2021 Concurrent job Concurrent job Managing director, Shepperson and & Principal, Strode College Shepperson Consultants Ltd Interesting fact Interesting fact Shakers One of her first jobs was working as an She has been wild camping on a bike in overseas rep in Tenerife, which she says South Island, New Zealand. gave her “excellent transferable skills”. Your weekly guide to who’s new and who’s leaving Palvinder Andrew Singh Mondon Principal, Trustee, VTCT Kirklees College
Start date June 2021 Start date June 2021
Previous job Concurrent job Group deputy principal, NCG Chief finance officer, Change Grow Live
Interesting fact Interesting fact He “had the honour” to take part in the He has climbed most of the peaks in celebrations in India for Guru Nanak Dev If you want to let us know of any new faces Britain, and his next challenge will be Ji, the 550th birthday of the founder of at the top of your college, training provider Ben Nevis, “although this may be one or awarding organisation please let us know Sikhism. by emailing [email protected] climb too many!”
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