News

Independent evaluation of the pilot of the linked pair of GCSEs in mathematics

The DfE has published the second of seven formative evaluation reports on the pilot of the linked pair of GCSEs in mathematics.

The Register of Training Organisations

Following an extensive review and evaluation of the Approved College and Training Organisation Register (ACTOR) during 2011, a new register, the Register of Training Organisations, has been launched by The Skills Funding Agency.

Plan of action for Skills for Life

In the recently published 'New Challenges, New Chances: Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan', the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) sets out plans to re-establish the terms ‘English’ and ‘Maths’ for adults, to prioritise young adults who lack English and Maths skills and those adults not in employment, and to fund GCSE English and Maths qualifications from September 2012.

2011 Skills for Life Survey

This report presents the initial headline findings from the 2011 Skills for Life Survey. Some key findings are: overall 57 per cent of respondents achieved a Level 2 or above score in literacy, which is a large increase from 44 per cent in 2003. However, 85 per cent of respondents achieved Level 1 or above in literacy, with 15 per cent performing at Entry Level 3 or below. This represents no significant change since 2003. There has also been a small decline in numeracy levels.

Review of research and evaluation on improving adult literacy and numeracy skills

This Review, published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, finds that learner progress in literacy is greater where teachers have qualified teacher status, and in numeracy where teachers are qualified in maths to Level 3 or above (irrespective of qualified teacher status). Another key finding is that the growing range of demands and contexts for reading and writing, and for using and manipulating numeric data, is further evidence in favour of a focus on functional skills.

Wales: a guide to funding for adult learners

This guide from the Welsh Government aims to help adult learners find out about the funding for education and training that is available to them.

Growth and Innovation Fund: Phase Two

The Growth and Innovation fund helps employers develop their own innovative, sustainable skills solutions with the potential to transform growth in their sector, region or supply chain. The government will be providing £34 million for 2012-13 and there is still £29 million available to bid for.

£1billion package to tackle youth unemployment

Almost £1billion will be spent over the next three years to provide unemployed young people with extra help as part of a new "Youth Contract", Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Employment Minister Chris Grayling announced recently.

Half of all young people in cities without Maths and English GCSE A* to C

The report, 'Learning Curve: Schooling and skills for future jobs' from Centre for Cities shows that between 2007 and 2010 an average of almost 50% of pupils in cities left the education system without A* to C grades in GCSE Maths and English.

Discretionary Learner Support

The Skills Funding Agency has now published the 2011/12 updated Adult Learner Support Discretionary Funding Guidance (updated 5 July 2011).