College collaboration aims to make an impact across further education

Four education powerhouses have joined forces to work strategically on work centred around curriculum reforms in further education.

Activate Learning, NCG, LTE Group and Nelson and Colne College Group are collaboratively leading the implementation of expected changes to Level 2 and 3 qualifications over the next four years. Significant changes to curriculum are expected to be announced in January following the government’s ‘short review’ of previously planned reforms.

Collectively, the four groups teach more than 75,000 learners across the country every year and employ more than 5,000 colleagues in the sector. Now, they are working together to put learners at the heart of the transition and ensure the changes are as seamless as possible for staff, students, parents and other stakeholders across the sector.

Cat Marin, Group Director of Strategy and Innovation at Activate Learning, said: “As we work to successfully implement these reforms, we are excited to be working collaboratively to ensure that students are put at the heart of everything we do and to maximise the benefits that these changes have to offer.

“This change feels significant, but by working together, our colleges will continue doing what we have always done, high quality, enjoyable learning designed to lead to a valuable career. Together we will be rolling out exciting new pathways for our students that will deliver excellent careers and destinations through a curriculum that is fit for the future and the communities we serve.”

Facilitated by Kate Webb, Managing Director of The KWP Ltd, an education and skills consultancy specialist, the collaboration has so far seen the formation of several working groups and will now continue for a second year, as colleges await the outcome of the latest review.

Colleagues from teachers to executives are supporting each other to work through the changes and what they mean for the future of curriculum. More than 80 staff members have so far been involved in subject specific pathway discussions and planning in Construction, Digital, Early Years, Engineering, Health, Business and Creative, as well as English and Maths.

As the partnership between the groups develops, so do their plans to take advantage of all the benefits of collaboration. Going forward, even more colleagues at all levels will be involved, opening up opportunities for professional development, networking and sharing best practice for the benefits of learners. This means that colleagues across the four college groups will not only keep up with the changes, but lead the way in designing better, innovative pedagogy that is fit for the future.

The collaborative approach is supported by key stakeholders across the sector including the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, the Association of Colleges and the Gatsby Foundation.

In October, Kate and representatives from all four college groups gathered at the Further Education Partnership Network (FEPN) conference, to discuss the collaboration and its progress so far with the rest of the FE sector.

Kate said: “With lots of upcoming change we want to lead the sector’s implementation of technical qualification reform through creativity and pragmatism. Collaboration is key to ensuring this transition is a smooth and successful one for all across the sector. By sharing innovative ideas, creating and sharing resources, fostering collaboration, and dedicating time to holistic curriculum planning, we aim to make sure that this reform has the best possible outcomes for both learners and education providers.”

The groups are now looking forward to making immediate impact in their second year, navigating any changes to the reform plans that may be announced, building on their success to develop strong Level 2 curriculum, and develop widening opportunities for teachers, leaders and managers to benefit from the partnership.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

DESCRIPTION OF CURRICULUM REFORM

The purpose of post-16 education is to support people to move into high-skilled jobs, either directly or through progression into good quality higher education courses, and to provide a well-rounded curriculum that helps young people to develop and thrive.

The Government are changing (reforming) the qualifications that will be available to young people at Level 3 and below. T Levels have been introduced and now more, new qualifications will be rolled out over the next few years including:

alternative academic qualifications at Level 3

technical progression qualifications at Level 2, which support progression to a Level 3 technical qualification including T Level Foundation qualifications

academic progression qualifications at Level 2, which support progression to a Level 3 academic qualification
Technical Occupational Entry qualifications at Level 2 and Level 3 which support direct progression into the workplace.

The new qualifications are high quality, employer endorsed and future focused.

At present, this roll out means that some old qualifications will stop and be replaced, although the government announced on 22 July that a short review of this approach will now take place, pausing the expected removal of 16-19 funding from qualifications in Construction and the Built Environment, Digital, Education and Early Years, and Health and Science. Colleges are expected to know by January 2025 what qualifications can be offered in September 2025.

Images

Group photo of Curriculum Reform Group, various directors from the four college groups and Kate Webb, Managing Director of KWP Ltd

About Activate Learning:

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group working across further and higher education, schools, apprenticeships and training. We transform lives through learning.

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