Lexington Communications’ Education & Skills Practice is led by Chris Cuddihy. Contact us on education@lexcomm.co.uk and follow us on Twitter on @Lex_EduSkills

1. The Department for Education recommended that Chair of
Ofqual, Amanda Spielman, is appointed the new Chief Inspector
of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, to take over from
HMCI Sir Michael Wilshaw at the end of December.
The Public Accounts Committee released its report on training
new teachers, concluding that DfE has missed its targets to fill
teacher training places four years running.
DfE figures showed a rise in applications for school places.
84.1% received their top secondary choice, while 88.4% of
primary applicants received their first choice, up from 87.8%.
The Science and Technology Committee published its report,
Digital Skills Crisis, which found that over 12m UK adults lack
basic digital skills, with near 6m having never used the internet.
The New Schools Network released research which found that
there are considerable regional differences in the proportion of
pupils studying A-levels in local state schools in England.
The City & Guilds Group released its first Skills Confidence
Report, which found that 92% of British employees are confident
in their own skills and productivity, while issues such as artificial
intelligence, automation and immigration do not worry them.
Skills Development Scotland released statistics for 2015/16,
showing the number of apprenticeships has increased by 2%.
Research published by the Association of Employment and
Learning Providers revealed that more than three-quarters of
apprenticeships are delivered by independent training providers.
Former Barclays Chief Executive Anthony Jenkins was appointed
Shadow Chair of the Institute for Apprenticeships.
It was reported that the reforms suggested in the Sainsbury’s
Review will not be piloted by the Government until 2019/2020.
HEPI published its Student Academic Experience Survey. 63% of
students do not feel their degree is good value for money.
Universities Minister Jo Johnson MP delivered a speech at
HEPI’s Conference, highlighting that the Office for Students will
have a statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity for
disadvantaged students throughout the university lifecycle.
BIS published further documents on the Higher Education and
Research Bill, including an impact assessment and a policy paper
setting out the rationale for UK Research and Innovation.
Research published by Interserve found that apprenticeships are
struggling to compete with university qualifications in London.
7th
June 2016