In this week’s TES Further, we reveal that the 157 Group of colleges is soon to be no more (article free for subscribers). Well, in name, that is. From an obscure paragraph in an even more obscure government report detailing that principals should play a greater role in policymaking, the 157 Group’s title was forged. But FErret has got wind that something slightly catchier could be on the cards.

FErret also reveals exactly how many expressions of interest in forming an institute of technology the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has received so far.

On the subject of the 157 Group, its chief executive, Ian Pretty, is back with his latest guest column. He writes that high-quality, responsive support needs to be provided for senior FE leaders in leading “transformational change” during this time of upheaval for the sector.

Fat cats on a diet?

This week TES FE editor Stephen Exley and Julia Belgutay have been in the counting room analysing college principals’ salaries. It turns out that earnings for college principals have fallen overall, with the squeeze being attributed to the sector’s funding pressures. However, some principals have seen significant increases in their salaries, with one earning upwards of £300,000.

‘A missed opportunity’

Roger Brown, emeritus professor of education at Liverpool Hope University, writes that the apprenticeship levy is a missed opportunity. He argues that what is needed is a scheme that targets sectors, areas and types of businesses where there is an acute need for higher level skills. He also advocates that apprentices should be paid the national minimum wage, and, in the future, the national living wage.

Also in the magazine, Iain Mackinnon argues that not all businesses are motivated solely by money on apprenticeships, despite what the sector might think. Employers aren’t angels, he writes, but it’s not all about greed.

SEND and the Reverend

Caroline Allen, principal of Orchard Hill multi-academy trust, offers six ways that her college has helped learners with special educational needs and disability into the workplace - from emphasising individual needs to organising open events and celebrating each learner’s skills and talents.

Finally, TES columnist Reverend Kate Bottley talks us through the rollercoaster of emotions a college employee experiences when faced by the prospect of a rare and exciting day off. There has been no “snow day” off yet, she writes, but that hasn’t stopped her yearning for that email which starts “Due to unforeseen…”

All this and much, much more in this week’s TES Further.

Read the full coverage in this week’s TES magazine, available in all good newsagents. To download the digital FE edition, Android users can click here and iOS users can click here

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