November Insights 2025

What does effective governance mean? With the imminent application of the new toolkit, we are seeing fewer published inspection reports, making it much more challenging to produce a statistical analysis. Until new inspections become more common, we will suspend our normal data charts. However, the small number of reports published shows learner achievement remains the […]

Thriving providers are the ones who’ve stopped performing for Ofsted

Too many providers let data sit in dashboards instead of using it to shape strategy. National Grid’s forensic, forward-looking use of information shows how inspection confidence grows from evidence-led improvement, not compliance paperwork. The further education and skills sector has long been accustomed to change. New Ofsted frameworks, shifting government policy and evolving business demands […]

October Insights 2025

The wait is finally over. Was it worth it? The long-awaited new inspection framework is now in place, and Ofsted promises it will be better for the sector and less burdensome for nominees and teams. One only has to read how providers will meet the new evaluations to realise the light at the end of […]

This month we are looking at the journey of…Northcoders

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 […]

September Insights 2025

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. […]

Independent Oversight is the Backbone of Great Governance

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 […]

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