As funding pressures mount and oversight gaps widen, the long-term future of bootcamps depends on better accountability and sustained quality Like many skills initiatives over the past three decades, the history of skills bootcamps in England has been mixed. Conceived during the pandemic, bootcamps were designed as short, intensive courses aligned with employer demand. They […]
Who are Northcoders? ‘Award-winning coding bootcamps that launch tech careers. We help people from all backgrounds break into the tech industry — with beginner-friendly training, expert support, and job-focused outcomes that change lives.’ What is our story? Our journey to Outstanding was built on three things: honest self-reflection, strategic focus, and a deep commitment to […]
We still haven’t got to grips with safeguarding. As we prepare for a new framework it’s worth considering whether we got everything right in the old framework. This extract from a report published in August suggests there is still work to do. The arrangements for safeguarding are ineffective. There are systemic weaknesses in safeguarding practice. […]
Kerry Boffey of FIN shares best practice to show that data, if monitored regularly and acted upon, can be transformational for a provider. In our sector, data is more than just compliance; it’s the evidence of impact. When provision is complex, metrics alone won’t tell the full story. But if we’re honest, every year the […]
Kerry identifies weak oversight as a common thread behind institutional failure. External governors should set clear expectations for sustainable improvement. In further education (FE) and skills provision, the term governance often conjures images of formal processes, structural diagrams and polished board reports. But the real engine of institutional success lies not in procedural compliance, but […]
Which comes first, compliance or quality? A key aspect of recent reports focuses on quality assurance, highlighting a continuing area for improvement. A QA focus may likely continue into the new framework. We know that for many, good QA is a problem, but what does good and effective quality assurance look like? This extract from […]
Progress from starting point still haunts many We make no apology for revisiting this topic, and as the following extract illustrates, some are a long way from finding a solution. Staff do not use information about what apprentices already know and can do to plan a sufficiently challenging curriculum. Coaches complete a check of apprentices’ […]
We’re backing Ofsted’s reforms – but unresolved risks include inconsistent grading and the challenge of defining ‘exemplary’ practice The latest Ofsted reforms mark a turning point in the way providers are evaluated, with initiatives like the five-day notice period for Ofsted inspections and the new Ofsted report card format being widely welcomed. However, the Fellowship […]
Following consultation from FIN members through working groups and surveys, FIN submitted our response to Ofsted’s consultation on 28th April 2025. We are proud to be a voice for our members, shaping the way Ofsted inspects education in the FE and Skills sector. Please read our full submission below. Improving the Way Ofsted Inspects Education […]
Outstanding or questionable?We’ve known for some time that some providers carefully select which learners will take national examinations, thereby maintaining high success rates. This inspection extract is from an outstanding college, published in May. It’s an approach you may or may not agree with, but it meets the learner’s best needs. “Leaders and managers have […]
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