Further education commissioner Richard Atkins will stay in his role for “up to” another 12 months, Tes has learned.  

The Department for Education told Tes that recruitment for a new FE commissioner would begin in the “autumn period” and that, as soon as a new commissioner was appointed, Mr Atkins would step down.

He has been in the role since 2016, and his term was due to come to an end this October. Prior to taking up his role, he was a principal at Yeovil College and then at Exeter College.

News: 30 to 40 colleges ‘at risk’, warns FE commissioner

More: ‘High risk’ of college insolvency, says FE commissioner

Background: FE commissioner pauses college work

The FE commissioner’s role involves him working with FE colleges to help improve the quality and sustainability of their provision, and reduce the risk of failure.

Mr Atkins told the Commons Education Select Committee in July that there were 30 to 40 colleges currently “at risk”. Apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan confirmed in the Houses of Commons earlier this week that 40 colleges were currently being supported by the team, with five needing extra financial support.