The situation in schools continues to be a top story with Gavin Williamson hoping schools in England will open before Easter (No.10 refused to commit on this), the Chief Medical Officer believing reopening will be phased, and stats showing higher rates of infection in teachers and support staff than in the general public. 

Ofqual has published its response to the ongoing review of Level 3 qualifications, warning against destabilising the qualifications market and adversely narrowing student choice. The review forms part of the government’s drive to improve the standing of Further Education and to develop the workforce of the future. This was laid out in the Skills for Jobs White Paper. Reaction has been mixed, with the recognition of the sector welcomed but some saying proposals don’t go far enough.

We also saw an interim response to the Augar review of HE finance (status quo until the next Comprehensive Spending Review), and consultation on Post Qualification Admissions, and the publication of the review into the Teaching and Excellence Framework.

Although this week’s slew of policy papers from government might not go as far, or as quickly, as some might have wanted or expected, they do at least reiterate a commitment to progress and reform.