Blog
National Coding Week
Friday 17 Sep 2021
This week, NCFE is celebrating National Coding Week, which aims to help people better understand the world of computer coding.
Unstructured times are the worst!
Tuesday 14 Sep 2021
Within a school environment, many strategies and techniques are in place to support and guide students on the Autistic Spectrum, and it’s important to focus upon the key areas of difficulty around social interaction, communication, thought, imagination and sensory.
Message from Zac Aldridge – Director of Qualifications and Assessment
Friday 20 Aug 2021
As the end of the first year of T Level delivery has now closed, it’s time to take a breath and reflect on what has been a unique 12 months for our sector.
Top tips for creating an inclusive FE environment
Wednesday 18 Aug 2021
Further education is an important time for many lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) learners. A welcoming environment not only helps LGBTQ+ learners feel comfortable and supported; it also creates the kinds of conditions where they’re able to succeed and fulfil their potential.
Five gears for wellbeing: Right gear at the right time
Thursday 05 Aug 2021
Just like in a car, first fear gets you going. In terms of self-care, first gear is our rest and recovery gear.
Celebrating successful beginnings with Priestley College
Tuesday 27 Jul 2021
Priestley College is one of 33 pioneering pilot providers involved in the roll out of T Levels in Education and Childcare to the first cohort of students. Colleagues at the college talked to NCFE about their T Level success, and how they maintained access to vital industry placements for their students.
Celebrating successful beginnings: Lexie’s T Level story so far
Tuesday 27 Jul 2021
As we come to the end of the first teaching year of the T Level in Education and Childcare, we’re reflecting on the past few months to find out how students have found the experience so far.
We spoke to Lexie, who is studying a T Level in Education and Childcare at Exeter College, about her first year of study.
Education and Childcare T Level student wins ‘Learner of the Year’ award
Tuesday 27 Jul 2021
The ‘Learner of the Year’ category in our Aspiration Awards honours learners who are developing themselves through vocational qualifications from NCFE, making positive improvements to their lives. This year’s winner was Katie Albert, who is currently studying the T Level in Education and Childcare at Blackpool and the Fylde College.
An introduction to Craig Wade, Health, Science and Social Care Sector Manager at NCFE
Tuesday 27 Jul 2021
An introduction to Craig Wade, Health, Science and Social Care Sector Manager at NCFE
How digital learning can help build three key job skills post-Covid
Tuesday 13 Jul 2021
Covid-19 has affected nearly every facet of how we engage with the world, changing how we approach leisure, work and education. Many education organisations have had to adapt quickly and embrace digital learning.
Getting ready to teach: top tips for September
Monday 05 Jul 2021
Kelly Johnson, Curriculum Officer at NCFE, has put together the following top tips to support you and your colleagues with getting ready to teach next session.
The 3 As of the future of assessment
Thursday 01 Jul 2021
How a focus on authenticity, accessibility and automation will help create truly transformational end-to-end learning experiences
The reality of levelling up: tackling barriers to lifelong learning
Tuesday 29 Jun 2021
The role of lifelong learning in the evolving employment landscape is finally getting the recognition it deserves, but without the means and motivation, will individuals really be able to seize the opportunity?
5 tips for traineeship triumphs
Friday 18 Jun 2021
A traineeship’s power is its simple, sharp focus on employability and employment. Where other education and training programmes might build the technical skills, knowledge and behaviours a learner needs for a sustained career in a given sector, traineeships help young people smash through the more immediate barrier of finding, getting and keeping a job. Take a look at our five top tips for traineeship triumphs!
Looking to the future of assessment at NCFE
Wednesday 16 Jun 2021
NCFE is an educational charity with the core purpose to ‘promote and advance learning, helping to create a fairer, more inclusive society’. Our primary concern is the opportunities and outcomes that learners achieve in their learning, career and in life.
Highlighting charities that are driving equal education for all
Wednesday 16 Jun 2021
In a time when the attainment gap is widening, exacerbated by the disruption to education during the pandemic, it’s particularly important to focus on the actions we can all take to make education inclusive for those from all backgrounds, situations, and underrepresented groups.
Proud to be leading the diversity and inclusion drive at NCFE
Friday 11 Jun 2021
In June each year, LGBTQ+ communities come together worldwide to honour the Stonewall uprising in 1969, and to promote equal justice and equal opportunity.
Of course, simply changing a logo will not result in real change. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion – and driving access to and equality of education for all – goes far beyond this.
Case Study: Equality and Diversity qualification helping pupils to challenge stereotypes
Wednesday 09 Jun 2021
Samantha Dowling, Head of Life Skills at Y Pant Comprehensive School, shares insight into how NCFE’s Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity is helping pupils to challenge stereotypes.
Making the UK employable: Plan for Jobs and Build Back Better
Thursday 29 Apr 2021
Unemployment is not a new issue, but it is very much at the forefront of both the public and government agenda as we emerge from lockdown measures and move towards more normality in our day to day lives.
Turning learning loss into learning gains – adapting and evolving is key
Thursday 29 Apr 2021
‘Learning loss’ is a well-documented challenge faced by parents, learners and educators during the course of the pandemic. There’s no doubt that barriers to learning (including the recent extended lockdowns) have the potential to widen achievement gaps, affect short-term outcomes for learners as well as having longer term implications in terms of progression prospects and economic impacts.
Extend pupil premium and offer full year of education recovery to support student catch-up
Tuesday 13 Apr 2021
Association of Colleges has published results from a survey of colleges, revealing the extent of damage to students’ education during the pandemic.
NCFE’s remote invigilation supporting NHS keyworker to success
Tuesday 30 Mar 2021
Jake Reading is a Functional Skills learner and NHS healthcare assistant and is completing his assessment through remote invigilation so he can take the next step in his journey to becoming a mental health nurse.
Tricky RSHE topics – finding a developmental approach is key
Thursday 25 Mar 2021
Consent, LGBT+, pornography and FGM – these are aspects of Relationships and Sex Education that we are frequently asked about in Sex Education Forum (SEF) training sessions, and the question is generally the same. How can we teach it appropriately?
2021 Spring Budget – what does it mean for education and skills?
Thursday 04 Mar 2021
Realism was the leading theme ahead of yesterday’s budget announcement, paving the way for some unpopular decisions as we try to find a way through the financial impact of the pandemic.
Join us at the FED National Education Summit
Monday 22 Feb 2021
NCFE is supporting the Foundation for Education Development (FED) to explore how a long-term plan for education is needed for our country at a virtual National Education Summit on 1 - 4 March.
National Apprenticeship Week Anna Morrison Amazing Apprenticeships
Wednesday 10 Feb 2021
Anna Morrison, founder and director of Amazing Apprenticeships, looks at the ways in which employers can promote inclusivity and a diversity through their apprenticeship programmes with top tips for inclusive recruitment practices.
The importance of formative assessment
Friday 29 Jan 2021
We now know that vocational exams that were due to take place in February and March will be cancelled for learners. With the current Ofqual consultation looking at alternative ways to assess and award grades this year.
Skills for Jobs White Paper - summary and media coverage
Tuesday 26 Jan 2021
The government published the long-awaited Skills for Jobs White Paper. Described as FE’s ‘day in the sun’, the paper shines a light on the national training landscape and provides some much-needed reassurance amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Keeping motivated during lockdown
Friday 22 Jan 2021
Research from The Health Foundation in December 2020, showed that the most common issues affecting wellbeing during the pandemic were worry about the future (63%), feeling stressed or anxious (56%) and feeling bored (49%).
Blue Monday: Practical mental health solutions
Monday 18 Jan 2021
Practical support for educators to support students' mental health from CACHE including free guides, resources, supporting qualifications and more.
A ‘career’ in the Community and Voluntary Sector, really?
Tuesday 15 Dec 2020
The Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) is probably better known as a route for people to volunteer, perhaps as a way to ‘give back’ at the end of a career, than as a provider of formative or developmental career opportunities.
Supporting learners to succeed during the pandemic
Monday 14 Dec 2020
With Further Education colleges closed during lockdown and intermittently afterwards due to coronavirus cases in some classrooms, educators have needed to manage these disruptions to ensure that their learners don’t miss out on vital learning.
Spending Review – what does this mean for education?
Friday 27 Nov 2020
Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered the Spending Review on 25 November 2020. A one year settlement was provided, a change from the original plan to set budgets for the next three years, in light of the uncertainty to public finances caused by Covid-19. Below is a breakdown of key announcements and what we know so far.
The importance of the ‘College of the Future’ report to the future of FE in England
Wednesday 28 Oct 2020
Inspirational college learner uses our qualification to progress on to university
Wednesday 14 Oct 2020
17-year-old Emma Noble, a student from Ullswater Community College, was nominated in our 2020 Aspiration Awards for her motivation and effort during her studies and has since progressed to Higher Education.
Inspirational teacher receives record breaking number of nominations in prestigious awards
Wednesday 14 Oct 2020
Julia Chaplin, a tutor at Brooklands College, received an impressive number of nominations in our 2020 Aspiration Awards in the Tutor of the Year category. The award recognises educators who have gone over and above to support their learners and receiving such a high number of nominations shows Julia has certainly left her mark on those she teaches.
Dedicated college student progresses through further education with the help of our qualification
Wednesday 14 Oct 2020
Originally enrolled onto his Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner qualification as a late starter, Raja wasn’t going to let that stop him from achieving his goals. He was soon known by all learners and tutors within the college because of his friendly and considerate personality.
Newly qualified tutor supports learners to achieve 100% attendance during lockdown
Wednesday 14 Oct 2020
Sharon Chatyoka, a Health and Social Care lecturer at Berkshire College of Agriculture, was nominated in our 2020 Aspiration Awards for the dedication and impact she demonstrates through her teaching.
NCFE joins forces with Northumbria Police to tackle hate crime in the North East
Tuesday 13 Oct 2020
NCFE has joined forces with Northumbria Police to put a stop to hate crime in the North East by launching internal Hate Crime Champions.
Blended learning to achieve success
Thursday 08 Oct 2020
Although blended learning isn't a new term, it's certainly more prevalent now, as the sector’s response to Covid-19 forced education to swiftly adjust to using technology to support learning from home, in a way that was never envisaged before.
UK’s young people in crisis with only 18% positive about future career prospects
Tuesday 06 Oct 2020
Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning at work
Monday 05 Oct 2020
Following Boris Johnson’s pledge to support further education, businesses gear up to celebrate Learning at Work Week 2020. Employers and individuals across the country are gearing up to celebrate the benefits of lifelong learning as ‘Learning at Work Week’ returns!
A way to wellness with NCFE health and fitness qualifications
Friday 25 Sep 2020
Amy achieved her dream of becoming a PT by studying NCFE qualifications in health and fitness. Amy now helps women achieve their own individual fitness goals through one to one training sessions at her North East home.
No support for FE and training in Sunak’s Winter Economic Plan
Friday 25 Sep 2020
Yesterday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined his “Winter Economic Plan” for supporting the business community through the second wave of Coronavirus.
Message from Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills
Thursday 17 Sep 2020
I’m delighted to share the news that the first T Level students are starting their courses this month.
Speed read: Top 5 takeaways from “Taking decisive action on youth employment”
Wednesday 16 Sep 2020
Here are the top 5 takeaways to help you quickly understand why we are launching our ‘go the distance’ initiative, what impact it will have, and how you can get involved.
Why choose NCFE for your school?
Friday 04 Sep 2020
We will support you to develop an enhanced curriculum, so every one of your learners can reach their full potential, whatever that looks like to them.
Adapting to the new normal - supporting apprentices through COVID-19
Tuesday 21 Jul 2020
EPA Plus has been responding quickly to the changing situation presented by COVID-19 to meet the needs of providers, employers and apprentices, and we’d like to share the results of this.
Team Leader apprentice successfully completes end-point assessment with EPA Plus
Wednesday 15 Jul 2020
Tony Rossiter has successfully completed end-point assessment for the Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship standard. Tony works as a Senior Engineering Change Coordinator and decided to do the Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship at a later stage in his career because he wanted to test and demonstrate his skills in effective leadership and management.
Bold action from the Chancellor – but more is needed
Monday 13 Jul 2020
Michael Lemin, Senior Policy Specialist at NCFE, unpacks the detail of the Chancellor’s economic statement, including the positive commitments made to youth employability
Revolutionary Forces discussion paper – top takeaways
Friday 10 Jul 2020
In our recent discussion paper published in partnership with Campaign for Learning, a host of experts from across the FE, labour market economics, employment and mental health sectors explored the revolutionary forces facing the UK economy.
Adapting delivery methods following COVID-19 – what does the future hold?
Tuesday 07 Jul 2020
Learning Curve Group takes a look at the impact that COVID-19 has had on education and what this means for the future of the sector.
The FE sector needs the revolutionary post-16 white paper that has been promised now more than ever
Monday 06 Jul 2020
A paper published today by NCFE and our friends at Campaign for Learning is urging the Government to ensure that the plans outlined in the forthcoming post-16 white paper are sufficiently flexible to meet the immense changes facing the UK economy.
Adapting to the new normal - supporting staff
Tuesday 30 Jun 2020
COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on education in recent months. While we may not understand the true extent of these changes on the future of the sector, it’s critical we start forward planning, so you and your colleagues feel prepared and supported for what’s to come.
Adapting to the new normal - supporting learners
Tuesday 30 Jun 2020
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great deal of disruption to learning, the impact of which will be felt long into the next academic year and possibly beyond.
Vocational qualifications improve your learners’ employability skills
Friday 26 Jun 2020
Ensuring young people leave their formal education ready for the workplace is a difficult task but one which providers have been challenged to deliver on as part of their careers education and commitment to employability skills.
The charities working hard to make education equal for all
Tuesday 23 Jun 2020
This pride season, we wanted to highlight the work of fellow charities who are doing amazing things in the sector to make education inclusive for students, teachers, tutors, parents and carers. We believe that education is for everyone and the more diverse we can make this space, the more we can learn and the richer our experiences will be for it.
Learning at Work Week takes to the air for 2020
Friday 22 May 2020
Employers across the UK are being invited to take part in a first-of-its-kind virtual learning event this week as Learning at Work Week returns, but with a few twists!
How to engage learners while working remotely
Thursday 14 May 2020
Keeping learners engaged while working remotely has been a key challenge for the education sector during this enforced period of lockdown.
Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week – raising awareness, encouraging conversations and showing a little kindness
Monday 11 May 2020
Once again, CACHE is getting involved in this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign hosted by the Mental Health Foundation.
Press releases, editorials and blogs
Have we got news for you! You can access our full bank of recent press releases, comment pieces and editorials all in one place. From partnerships and launches, to thought pieces on hot topics in the sector - the rise of digital, the role we play in social mobility, the changing labour market, a post Covid-19 education landscape and much more.
We also publish weekly blogs, keeping you up to date on the latest news within the education sector and beyond. Hear from a range of experts within the organisation, from our Senior Policy Specialists and Sector Specialists to our Chief Executive, as we unpick the issues that you care about the most. We also feature a range of guest bloggers from schools, colleges, training providers, the world of policy, and from industry.
Our brand
How we connect with people through our brand is essential to who we are and what we do. With this in mind, it’s important that our brand is applied correctly and consistently for the clarity of the organisations that we work with, as well as the learners completing our qualifications.
How to use our logos – this document was put together for our customers to give clear guidance on how to use our logos on both your printed and online materials.
Logos – If you’re an approved centre or partner of ours, we would be delighted if you would like to use our logo to showcase the fact that we are working together! To access our logos, simply email [email protected], stating your centre name and number as well as the logo that you require in line with what your centre is delivering (NCFE, CACHE, Accreditation & Employer Services, EPA Plus, Skills Forward). Please note, that if you stop working with us, we ask that you remove any logos or references to NCFE and its business units from your website and all collateral. This is to avoid confusion for learners about the qualifications and services that you are delivering.
Media contacts and information
- For more information about NCFE, our core purpose, our history and our future, please visit https://www.ncfe.org.uk/about-ncfe
- For all media enquiries, please contact Lindsay Plumpton, Marketing Operations Manager, with your request and she’ll get back to you as soon as possible. You can reach Lindsay at [email protected]