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Features and opinion

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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.

From skills to employment: how SWAPs help providers align learner needs, employer demand and local priorities

From skills to employment: how SWAPs help provi...

As employers face skills shortages and recruitment challenges, SWAPs offer a practical route into work. Andrew Barton, our Product Manager for Adult Education, explores how providers can use them to support learners, employers and local economies.

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Why tackling misogyny in schools starts with education

Why tackling misogyny in schools starts with ed...

How can schools help prevent harmful attitudes from taking root? Daniel McPherson, our Product Manager for Schools, explores why education and RSHE have a vital role to play in fostering respect, empathy and critical thinking.

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What happens when the health and social care sector comes together to tackle workforce challenges?

What happens when the health and social care se...

As NCFE's Health and Social Care Skills Collective launch their inaugural paper, our Sector Managers for Health and Social Care, Joe Neame and Claire Montague, discuss the importance of collaboration in tackling workforce challenges.

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Helping people see a future in social care

Helping people see a future in social care

Drawing on insights from CACHE Alumni members and NCFE’s latest research, Claire Montague explores why greater recognition and visibility of career pathways are key to attracting, developing and retaining the future social care workforce.

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5 takeaways from the Labour Party Conference 2026 for education and skills

5 takeaways from the Labour Party Conference 20...

Michael Lemin, Head of Policy and Strategy at NCFE, reflects on his time at the 2026 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool and how the announcements and discussions could shape the education sector.

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Rethinking care through trauma-informed principles

Rethinking care through trauma-informed princip...

Our Social Care Sector Manager, Claire Montague, explores the frameworks and approaches helping organisations to embed trauma-informed practice and better support those affected by trauma.

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Turning ambition into progress: lessons from the 2026 Youth Voice Census

Turning ambition into progress: lessons from th...

Our Sector Manager for Education and Childcare, Janet King, asks professionals working across education, early years, health, and social care – if young people are taking positive steps towards their future, what's making progress feel so difficult? 

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Why workforce wellbeing in early years starts with system change

Why workforce wellbeing in early years starts w...

University College Birmingham lecturer Emma Davis explores why improving wellbeing in the early years workforce depends on addressing systemic challenges including pay, workload, career progression and retention.

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