It’s been a non-stop first week back after half-term. On Monday, we had news on the return to face-to-face teaching in England, and on Thursday, Ofqual and the Department for Education revealed their plans for exams and assessment in summer 2021.

And FE Twitter had a lot to say about it - from staff who are excited to get back to stunning college sites, to skills and apprenticeships minister Gillian Keegan sharing the operating guidance. 

There were celebrations as the Association of Colleges announced the winners of the Student of the Year Awards, as well as masterclasses from expert chefs and a special message for students and staff returning after half-term.  

Exams 2021: Ofqual reveals plans for Btecs and other VTQs

Ofqual assessment plans: What FE staff need to know

Back to college: Everything you need to know

Great news, from March 8th further education providers will be welcoming back #students and #teachers as we #Reopen our colleges. #BigNews #FE #RoadMap #BackToSchool #LoveOurColleges https://t.co/rZsGVXlWjw

- Gillian Keegan (@GillianKeegan) February 22, 2021

Great news! @NorthernCollege will be re-opening on Monday 8th March. I’ve missed the old place. #LoveOurColleges #SkillsGap #Coursesforadults #Adulteducation #thursdaymorning #thursdayvibes #thursdaythoughts pic.twitter.com/1Ra5BD1tnb

- Paul Gibson (@NCcomlearn) February 25, 2021

A huge congratulations to the winner of the Association of Colleges’ Young Student of the Year Esha Mumtaz from Stockport College! Let’s watch that announcement again... ? ? #SOTY #LoveOurColleges pic.twitter.com/5hL1JTTzdp

- Stockport College (@stock_college) February 25, 2021

Obvious I know but worth saying.

A-Level & FE students are yet again anxious tonight.

They want to know what’s going on with their uni next year. Their exams. The end of their formal education.

Young people (& teachers) need answers and they need it now.

- Alfie Payne (@AlfiePayne5) February 21, 2021

Important message here. Even the phrase “catch up” is negative. There’s enough pressure on students or staff. A compassionate and proportional response in needed right now. Not just money- but leadership. @tesfenews https://t.co/8KXpR1JEU2

- Stuart Rimmer (@coachinception) February 24, 2021

To mark the 6th anniversary of the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Physical Activity here’s our video on the positives of Covid-19 for #mentalhealth in colleges #SportMinds pic.twitter.com/HPxCqKsIEm

- AoC Sport (@AoC_Sport) February 25, 2021

A Huge thankyou to Jamie Roberts, exec chef from the Swan Hotel Newby Bridge for the online cooking demonstration for our students yesterday. Not only did Jamie cook 2 amazing dishes but also spoke about the key employability skills required for the industry. #lockdownlearning pic.twitter.com/XLt0L3mRvI

- Kendal College Hospitality & Catering (@KendalCulinary) February 25, 2021

Music ⁦⁦@coleggwent⁩ are back and we’re moving!!????? pic.twitter.com/pH7wN5khBH

- Paul Morris (@PaulMorriswales) February 25, 2021

To welcome our staff and students back after half-term, Britain’s Got Talent @BGT Champions winners @TwistandPulse have recorded an inspirational message.

Watch Ash and Glenn’s uplifting message https://t.co/J05HAFK7C6#LockdownUnlocked #LSECfamily #YouGotThis pic.twitter.com/rn0ojaJEq1

- London SE Colleges (@LSEColleges) February 22, 202

Extremely proud of this project! Developed and delivered during world pandemic! Amazing achievement for our @dundee_angus students! #PeriodsDontStopForPandemic @PandemicPeriods @LynnesnpR @AngusCPP @Period_Poverty @AngelaMcCusker @shewittDA Hopping to do more of this ?? https://t.co/Jga3Vwb0XJ

- Tatiana Zorina (@TatiannaZorina) February 25, 2021