Features and opinion

We combine 175 years of education experience with deep insight into current and future needs.

Read thought-provoking original features and opinions by our in-house subject specialists, as well as from our expert partners and collaborators.

Navigating devolution: insights from the education sector and implications for local skills delivery

Emzi Frater-Mills. Product Manager at NCFE, explores how devolution is reshaping adult skills delivery, sharing sector insights, emerging challenges and opportunities for responsive local provision across regions.

Read the article

Seeking swift solutions: reflections from my first ever challenge event

NCFE’s innovation manager, Gray Mytton, shares his reflections from his first challenge event, where the fast‑paced, collaborative format revealed new ways to spark ideas and accelerate progress.

Read the article

How vocational qualifications can narrow the SEND and disadvantage gap

Daniel McPherson, Product Manager for Schools and V Certs, explores how vocational qualifications including V Certs can support SEND and disadvantaged learners by narrowing attainment gaps and strengthening inclusive KS4 curricula.

Read the article

The numbers (and stories) behind the Education and Early Years T Level

Now in its sixth year, we take a closer look at how the Education and Early Years T Level qualification has impacted students, providers and employers, as well as the wider technical education landscape.

Read the article

Social Impact Fund: Helping grassroots ice hockey grow through community funding

Billingham Ice Hockey Club was nominated by an NCFE colleague to receive £500 in funding through our Social Impact Fund, with this support helping to keep participation in the sport affordable, accessible and inclusive.

Read the article

Pathways to progress: shaping the future of adult social care

Claire Montague, our Sector Manager for Social Care, explores how the Care Workforce Pathway and strategic reforms can transform careers, improve retention, and strengthen adult social care.

Read the article

EPA reform: changes inevitable, but not unfamiliar

Our Director of Delivery, Sacha Finkle explores why end-point assessment (EPA) reforms matter, their impact on apprenticeships, and how providers can adapt with confidence during this transition.

Read the article

Meet the children choosing to hang out with their grandfriends over gaming or scrolling

Our Sector Manager for Education and Childcare, Janet King, explains the benefits of the intergenerational care model – using Apple and Honey Nightingale's 'Grandfriends Club' as a shining example of its lasting impacts on those young and old.