DfE: Schools and colleges needed to trial innovative EdTech tools across England.

Overview The Department for Education are seeking schools and colleges to trial innovative EdTech tools across England. We invite applications from: All primary and secondary schools. Special educational needs (SEN) schools All further education providers. Why your views matter The Department for Education is launching an EdTech Impact Testbed Pilot to evaluate innovative educational technologies. […]

AI in further education: What students need to know

Speakers Rob Wraith, Head of Learning Technology and Digital Learning, NCG Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology Chris Loveday, Vice Principal, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College   The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article/case study are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or […]

AI in further education: Inclusion and accessibility

Speakers Chris Loveday, Vice Principal, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology   The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article/case study are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or recommendation of any particular tool or approach by the Department […]

AI in further education: Teaching and learning

Speakers Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology Chris Loveday, Vice Principal, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Rob Wraith, Head of Learning Technology and Digital Learning, NCG   The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article/case study are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or […]

AI in further education: Strategy and leadership

Speakers Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology Chris Loveday, Vice Principal, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Rob Wraith, Head of Learning Technology and Digital Learning, NCG   The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article/case study are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or […]

AI in further education: Approaches to staff training

Speakers Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology Chris Loveday, Vice Principal, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Rob Wraith, Head of Learning Technology and Digital Learning, NCG   The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article/case study are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or […]

AI in further education: Ethics, data and safeguarding

Speakers Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital, Basingstoke College of Technology Chris Loveday, Vice Principal, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College   The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article/case study are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or recommendation of any particular tool or approach by the Department […]

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College’s journey with artificial intelligence and development of AI agents

A grey building is seen as in a 3D plan against a bright red background. 0s and 1s represent data streaming out of the windows and gaps in the roof.

CHRIS LOVEDAY, VICE PRINCIPAL, BARTON PEVERIL SIXTH FORM COLLEGE, UK Introduction In January 2024, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College (BPSFC) began exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Initially, the focus was on leveraging AI to support business functions and improve operational efficiency, before being expanded to include student engagement and marking. This case study examines […]

Harnessing artificial intelligence to transform CPD and reduce educator workload in sixth-form colleges

8 photos of the same tree taken at different times of the year in 2 rows of 4, the last photo is highly pixelated. A pattern of random white blocks run across the image from the left and become aligned on the right.

DAVID J WALL, HEAD OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS/TLA DEVELOPER, ST JOHN RIGBY COLLEGE, UK In the fast-paced and demanding environment of an Ofsted-outstanding sixth-form college, educators face increasing pressure to balance high-quality teaching with administrative duties. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution to alleviate these burdens, enabling educators to focus on […]

Using AI tools for T Level lessons at Southport College

KAREN AHMED, LECTURER IN COMPUTING & IT, SOUTHPORT COLLEGE, UK Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been a transformative force in many industries. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 sparked a high level of interest in its use in education. This milestone triggered the debate on the benefits and risks of using AI in this […]

Navigating AI in further education maths: A professional development roadmap

An illustration in intense colors in a gloomy mood showing a collage of two mirrored cars, street signs and mathematical symbols.

JUDE MORTIMER, FE AND ADULT MATHS EDUCATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST, MATHEMATICS IN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY (MEI), UK EMMA BELL, FE CPD PROGRAMME LEAD, MATHEMATICS IN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY (MEI), UK The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan highlights the role that artificial intelligence (AI) could play in enhancing services, citizen experiences and productivity (Clifford, 2025). Meanwhile, the National […]

Navigating professionalism in further education: Challenges and opportunities for educators

TOMMI CHARLISH, SPORTS DEPARTMENT, WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE, UK Introduction The landscape of further education (FE) presents unique challenges for educators as they navigate the complexities of professionalism in their field. This article examines the multifaceted issues surrounding professionalism in FE settings, drawing on recent research and first-hand experiences. This piece aims not only to shed light […]

Formative assessment: Checking pupil understanding and providing effective feedback

The content within this compact guide has been adapted from content originally produced for our online courses and for MyCollege, including content by Tom Sherrington and Sara Stafford. What is a compact guide? Our compact guides are designed to provide an introduction to a specific topic or theme. The content within each guide includes an […]

Engaging with research: Searching for, reading and appraising research literature

Lots of multi-coloured books on a bookshelf

The content within this compact guide has been adapted from content originally produced for MyCollege by Gary Jones and Deborah Netolicky. What is a compact guide? Our compact guides are designed to provide an introduction to a specific topic or theme. The content within each guide includes an overview of core concepts related to the […]

Closing the SEND gap through targeted interventions: Findings from the MetaSENse study

By Jo Van Herwegen, Professor of Developmental Psychology and Education, UCL’s Institute of Education Recent evidence shows that students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have lower educational outcomes compared to their peers and that this gap continues to increase (Tuckett et al., 2021). Although previous reviews have addressed how these students can benefit […]

How QTLS accreditation enhances evidence-informed practice in further education

STEPHANIE MARSHALL-WHITLEY, TRURO AND PENWITH COLLEGE, UK; MSC STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, UK Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS) validates teachers’ expertise in further education (FE) settings across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and accreditation is available to those working in various institutions, including adult education centres and private training providers (ETF, 2020). As […]

Developing authentic confidence about further education teaching

KATE SIDA-NICHOLLS, GROUP DIRECTOR OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT, PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND RESEARCH, EASTERN EDUCATION GROUP, UK Teachers in further education (FE) have to embrace the role of being dual professionals because, in addition to mastering pedagogy, they also need to keep up their industry knowledge and expertise throughout their teaching careers. Teachers in FE enter teaching with […]