FE Week
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| FE Week | |
|---|---|
| Name | FE Week |
| Type | Weekly newspaper |
| Format | Tabloid |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London |
| Owner | Private ownership |
| Language | English |
FE Week is a British weekly newspaper and digital title focusing on further education and vocational training in England. The publication reports on policy, funding, inspections, and institutional performance while covering stakeholders such as ministers, regulators, colleges, and awarding bodies. It operates within the UK media landscape alongside titles covering public policy and sectoral issues.
Overview
FE Week provides news, analysis, and commentary on matters affecting further and technical education, featuring reports on the Department for Education, Skills Funding Agency, Ofsted, Education and Skills Funding Agency, and sector representatives. The title publishes investigations into funding allocations, policy announcements by secretaries such as Gavin Williamson, Justine Greening, and Nadhim Zahawi, and coverage of regulatory actions by Ofqual, Education Secretary-level decisions, and parliamentary debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords. Its editorial agenda interacts with national stakeholders including Association of Colleges, University and College Union, and awarding organisations such as City and Guilds, Pearson plc, and NCFE.
History and Development
Launched in 2011, FE Week emerged amid reforms driven by legislation such as the Education Act 2011 and policy shifts under administrations led by David Cameron and Theresa May. Early reporting tracked the consequences of spending reviews announced by chancellors like George Osborne and examined restructuring initiatives tied to the BIS era. Over time, the title documented the evolution of technical education through flagship programmes such as T‑Levels, the Apprenticeships Levy, and reforms influenced by reviews from figures like Lord Wolf and Sir Michael Wilshaw. The newspaper adapted from print to a stronger digital presence as social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn became central to sector communication.
Content and Coverage
Content spans investigative features, policy analysis, interview pieces, and institutional profiles touching on colleges, independent training providers, and employer-led consortia such as those involved in Trailblazer apprenticeships. Coverage routinely references regulatory findings from Ofsted inspections, funding allocations from Education and Skills Funding Agency, and qualification recognition from Ofqual. The outlet reports on sector responses to national initiatives including T-Levels reforms, National Skills Fund allocations, and apprenticeship standards developed with input from bodies like Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. It publishes commentary from leaders in organisations such as Association of Colleges, Federation of Awarding Bodies, and trade unions like Unite the Union and Prospect.
Audience and Influence
The primary readership comprises principals and senior leaders at colleges such as City of Glasgow College and New City College, senior managers at independent training providers, policymakers within the Department for Education, officials at Ofsted, and stakeholders in awarding bodies like AQA and OCR. The title’s reporting has been cited in parliamentary questions, local government briefings, and by think tanks such as Institute for Fiscal Studies and Resolution Foundation when discussing skills policy and funding impacts. Its investigative stories have prompted responses from ministers, regulatory reviews by Ofsted and Ofqual, and operational changes at institutions highlighted in coverage.
Awards and Events
FE Week organises and partners on sector events, awards ceremonies, and conferences that recognise achievement across further education, apprenticeships, and technical training. These events often feature speakers from government ministries including the Department for Education and presenters from awarding organisations like City and Guilds and Pearson plc, alongside leaders from the Association of Colleges and trade unions. Award categories celebrate college leadership, employer partnerships, apprenticeships excellence, and innovation in delivery, attracting entries from institutions such as Warwickshire College Group and Hopwood Hall College.
Ownership and Management
The publication has been privately owned and editorially independent, led by an editorial team with experience across national titles and specialist journals; management engages with stakeholders in the wider media environment including press regulators and trade associations. Editorial leadership has included editors and journalists formerly associated with national newspapers and specialist education outlets, working alongside commercial directors to manage events, advertising, and subscriptions. The business model combines journalism, conference revenue, and sponsored awards, interacting with sector institutions such as Association of Colleges and commercial partners like City and Guilds and Pearson plc.