The Further Education and Training Bill

Prospects for Further and Higher Education

HE in FE-the background

• Mixed economy colleges (and MEG)

• Non-prescribed HE

• HEI/college partnerships

The College HE Offer

• Honours degrees

• Higher National Awards

• Professional Qualifications

• NVQ 4/5

• Foundation Degrees

• Post graduate degrees

The college offer - characteristics

• Specialist provision

• Mainly vocational

• Focus on widening participation and progression (FE to HE, same institution or to HEI)

• Balance of full and part time students

• Small teaching groups

• Individual student support

The Further Education and Training Bill-proposals Clause17(19)

• Colleges able to apply for FD awarding powers

• Powers granted by Privy Council on recommendation of QAA

• Conditions analogous to current degree awarding powers

• Further limiting conditions including franchising, probation period, progression agreements to Hons

The Further Education and Training Bill Clause 17 (19)

• Why is it needed?

• What are the issues?

• What will be the impact?

The need

• Some HEI validation processes slow and expensive, especially with low numbers

• Post Leitch, rapid response to employers needed

• Validation of new curriculum areas

• Work based learning

• Experienced colleges ready for the challenge

Issues

• Is the current system unfit for purpose? If not, why fix it?

• Can colleges deliver quality?

• Will all colleges want the powers?

• Will progression opportunities be available for students?

• Will existing college/HEI relationships be adversely affected?

Impact

• More FDs available locally

• More work based FDs with a closer relationship with employers

• New relationships for some colleges and HEIs

• A catalyst for change?