A report published by Estyn focuses on how best to provide learners with wider choice and flexibility of study, in line with the aims of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Learning Pathways 14-19 initiative. This initiative aims to encourage more young people to achieve their potential so that they are better equipped for the world of work and become better informed and more active citizens. Full report and press release
This document consults on Wales, Europe and the World: a framework for 14-19 learners. This is a non-statutory framework to support the Welsh dimension of the learning experience of 14 to 19 year old learners. Responses to this draft consultation document should be sent by 30 June 2008. More
Education Minister Jane Hutt has announced the publication of the strategy for developing school-based counselling services across Wales, supported by funding of £6.5m over the next 3 years. The Welsh Assembly Government aims for a counselling service to be available to all pupils so they have someone to turn to if they need help or support. More
The statutory role of HEFCW is to administer funds for the provision of education and the undertaking of research by higher education institutions, and for the provision of associated facilities and services. More
In the year 11 cohort, 84 per cent entered into some form of continued learning in education, either in full-time education or Government supported work-based training (85 per cent in 2006). In the year 13 cohort, 81 per cent entered into some form of continued learning in education, either in full-time education or Government supported work-based training (similar to 2006). More
Education Minister Jane Hutt has announced £6m of funding to support teacher’s professional development to improve learner outcomes across Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is encouraging those in the education profession to learn more about the ‘science’ and skill of teaching to ensure that young people get the most out of their lessons and learning experiences in schools, Further and Higher Education. More
A higher percentage of pupils from a Chinese or Chinese British ethnic background achieve the Core Subject Indicator (CSI) than any other ethnic group in all the Key Stages. The percentage of pupils with special educational needs achieving the CSI ranges from nearly 47 per cent at Key Stage 1 to 10 per cent at Key Stage 4. Girls continue to perform better than boys at each Key Stage More
This bulletin provides an annual update on the statistical relationship between the eligibility for FSM and academic achievement. For each of the performance indicators selected, there is a strong link between achievement and the level of entitlement to free school meals: as the level of FSM entitlement increases, the level of achievement decreases. More
Working partnerships between local authorities and providers that educate learners who live in children’s homes are in need of significant improvement, says a report published by Estyn. The report says that local authorities should take a more positive role as corporate parents to ensure that all young people receive the education they are entitled to. Press release and Final report
Key results for 2007 entry are: 22,488 applicants were accepted by Welsh institutions. This was a 3 per cent increase on 2006 and 23 per cent higher than 1997. 17,366 Welsh domiciled applicants were accepted by UK institutions - a 1 per cent increase on 2006 and 19 per cent higher than in 1997. More
Key results for 2007/08 (provisional): 6,130 students in Further Education applied for an Assembly Learning Grant as of 5th March 2008. 4,970 applications were successful (81 per cent of applications), an increase of 21 percent compared with the same point in time in 2006/07 More
The working group was set up in 2006 by the then Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills to prepare a strategy for using ICT to transform teaching, learning and organisational effectiveness in schools. This document sets out the conclusions of the working group. More
The proposals form part of a Qualifications Strategy for 14-19 year olds published for consultation which sets out plans to incorporate the very best of existing qualifications into four key national qualification structures: Diplomas; GCSEs and A-levels; Apprenticeships; and a Foundation Learning Tier of courses that act as a route into higher level qualifications. More
The vast majority of schools and colleges in England will offer Diplomas from September 2009, Schools Minister Jim Knight announced today. Around three quarters of secondary schools and 88% of colleges will teach Diplomas with the support of local universities and employers. More
The Government has set out the details of the transfer of £7 billion to local authorities to help colleges and sixth forms deliver the reforms needed to raise the education and training leaving age to 18. At the same time, Government will direct £4 billion a year through a new agency to provide training and skills for adults, transforming the system to be responsive and demand-led. More
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills – the new organisation tasked by the government with helping to ensure the UK's employment and skills systems contribute to the highest levels of productivity – has been launched. The establishment of the UKCES was a key recommendation of the 2006 independent report by Lord Sandy Leitch, 'Prosperity for all in the global economy – word class skills'. More
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has today announced the second wave of employers to achieve awarding body status and that more than 30 employers have now taken advantage of new opportunities to have their training accredited nationally. More
This latest publication examines what the frequently used term ‘employability skills’ actually means to employers. This report examines the factors that define employability skills. Through survey research of 1137 UK employers, it explores how they perceive the current level of skills of young people entering their first job as well as the type of skills expected from these young workers. More and press release
-Report on awarding bodies' fees for the revised GCE A levels
-PKF Review of awarding bodies' fees executive summary
-Annual qualifications market report 2008
-Europe Economics report: Scoping exercise for a study of the efficiency of the qualifications system
-Information for centres on exam fees More
Ed Balls accepted recommendations from a top behaviour expert that all secondary schools should join behaviour partnerships and announced new plans for a White Paper to transform the alternative provision for pupils who have been excluded from school and announced plans to tackle cyber bullying of teachers. More
