News Archive
157 Group is pleased to announce the outcomes from the bids for the 157 Group element of the Collaboration and Shared Services Grant
27/09/11
Tuesday 27 September 2011 157 Group is pleased to announce the outcomes from the bids for the 157 Group element of the Collaboration and Shared Services Grant BEGINS The overall aim of the grant is to develop and implement significant and fundamental changes to the business model within the FE ... read more
157 Group lends support to careers guidance campaign
09/09/11
Friday 9 September 2011 157 Group lends support to careers guidance campaign BEGINS The 157 Group of large influential FE colleges today added its voice to those calling on the government to think again on the future of the Careers Service. The 157 Group has been enthusiastic about proposals ... read more
157 Group welcomes Ofsted's view of college's role in post-16 progression
23/08/11
For immediate release: Tuesday 23 August 2011 157 Group welcomes Ofsted's view of colleges' role in post-16 progression BEGINS The 157 Group has welcomed the latest Ofsted report, "Progression Post-16 for learners with learning difficulties/or disabilities". Ofsted inspectors visited 32 ... read more
157 Group welcomes continuing commitment to greater freedoms for colleges
17/08/11
For immediate release: Tuesday 16 August 2011 157 Group welcomes continuing commitment to greater freedoms for colleges BEGINS The 157 Group has welcomed the publication of a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consultation document, New Challenges, New Chances, and in particular ... read more
157 Group welcomes public accounts committee report on educating 16 to 18-year-olds
16/08/11
For immediate release: Tuesday 16 August 2011 157 Group welcomes public accounts committee report on educating 16 to 18-year-olds BEGINS The 157 Group of 27 large and regionally influential colleges has welcomed the publication of the public accounts committee report, Getting value for money ... read more
157 Group publishes adult entitlement policy paper
25/07/11
For immediate release: Monday 25 July 2011 157 Group publishes adult entitlement policy paper BEGINS The 157 Group of 27 large and regionally influential colleges has published a policy paper entitled Adult further education - the unfinished revolution, setting out proposals for a truly ... read more
157 Group and partners publish interim report of colleges in their communities
18/07/11
For immediate release: Friday 15 July 2011 157 Group and partners publish interim report of colleges in their communities Colleges need greater freedom from over-elaborate funding restrictions and other limitations to achieve their full potential for the benefit of their wider communities. This ... read more
157 Group and partners publish report on the role of local enterprise partnerships
05/07/11
157 Group and partners publish report on the role of local enterprise partnerships BEGINS The 157 Group of large and regionally influential colleges has published a report of the collaborative project undertaken with its partners, the Local Government Association (LGA) and British Chambers of ... read more
Press Notice: 157 Group comments on Higher Education White Paper
30/06/11
BEGINS The 157 Group of 28 large and regionally influential colleges has welcomed the government's proposals to open up the higher education market to further education colleges, as set out in the higher education white paper, Students at the Heart of the System. Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive ... read more
157 Group publishes job outcomes case studies
20/06/11
The 157 Group has published a set of case studies demonstrating how its member colleges are preparing for the job outcomes and skills conditionality policy initiatives being introduced by the government in summer 2011 as part of an effort to drive up employability rates across England and reward ... read more
Collaboration and Shared Services Grant
15/06/11
Collaboration and Shared Services Grant The 157 Group and AoC Collaboration and Shared Services grant will be used to develop innovative work by FE sector organisations to drive forward significant efficiencies and innovation. The grant comes via the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and has been ... read more
Press notice: 157 Group congratulates college leaders recognised in Queen's birthday honours list
13/06/11
For immediate release: 13 June 2011 ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has congratulated four outstanding leaders at 157 Group member colleges who were recognised in the 2011 Queen's birthday honours list. Ian Pryce, principal of Bedford college and vice-chair of the 157 Group, was appointed CBE, and ... read more
Update from 157 Group: Shared Services and Collaboration Fund
03/06/11
Update from 157 Group: Shared Services and Collaboration Fund Dear Colleague, I am writing to give you advance notice of the timescale for making bids to the Shared Services and Collaboration Fund being managed by the 157 Group. This fund is £2.3 million to be spent during 11/12. A ... read more
Blackpool and The Fylde College joins the 157 Group 27th May 2011
27/05/11
For immediate release: 27th May 2011 Blackpool and The Fylde College joins the 157 Group 27th May 2011 ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group is pleased to announce that Blackpool and The Fylde College is joining its membership. Lynne Sedgmore CBE, Executive Director of the 157 Group said: "I am ... read more
157 Group News: Collaboration and Shared Services Project Update
26/05/11
157 Group Members met on 24th May in London to agree on the principles and processes for the next phase of the Collaboration and Shared Services Project. Background The Collaboration and Shared Services Project is designed to develop innovative ways of working to drive forward efficiencies in ... read more
157 Group launches new apprenticeships case studies
24/05/11
For immediate release: 24th May 2011 157 Group launches new apprenticeship case studies ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has launched six new case studies to demonstrate how apprenticeships are becoming a crucial and integral part of colleges' offers and provision to both young people and adults. ... read more
IfL research endorsed in 157 Group leadership of learning publication
17/05/11
For immediate release: Tuesday 17 May 2011 IfL research endorsed in 157 Group leadership of learning publication ---BEGINS--- The findings of research undertaken by the Institute for Learning (IfL), that leadership has a key role to play in professional development, have ... read more
157 Group News: 157 Group and CfBT Education Trust launch Leading learning in further education think piece
10/05/11
For immediate release: 10th May 2011 157 Group and CfBT Education Trust launch Leading learning in further education think piece ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group in collaboration with the CfBT Education Trust has launched its latest publication, a think piece on teaching and learning entitled ... read more
NIACE Call for Evidence: Colleges in their Community Inquiry
16/03/11
Colleges Inquiry - call for evidence There is still time left to submit evidence for the NIACE Colleges in their Community Inquiry. The Colleges in their Communities Inquiry, which will report in November 2011, is investigating the strategic role colleges play in their communities and the added ... read more
157 Group welcomes Wolf's recommendations for learning accounts and more flexibility
03/03/11
For immediate release: Thursday 3 March 2011 157 Group welcomes Wolf's recommendations for learning accounts and more flexibility ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has welcomed several of the recommendations made by Professor Alison Wolf in her independent report of vocational education, launched ... read more
Apprenticeships: good for business
10/02/11
Apprenticeships: good for business Thursday, 10 February 2011 19:50 There is no better time than Apprenticeships Week to reinforce the transformational impact apprentices make to businesses. As the biggest Apprenticeships Week so far it is clear that the dynamic is changing - apprenticeships ... read more
157 Group publishes international discussion paper Doing more for less
01/02/11
For immediate release: 1st February 2011 157 Group publishes international discussion paper Doing more for less ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has launched its latest publication, an international dialogue entitled Doing more for less. This new discussion paper is the product of a roundtable ... read more
FE News Article - Cuts to entitlement could harm social mobility
17/01/11
The Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA) recently released their funding statement and statutory guidance arrangements for funding the education and training of 16 to 19 year olds in England for the 2011/12 academic year. Although the 157 Group welcomes the overall funding increase of 1.9% we ... read more
157 Group congratulates outstanding FE staff recognised in New Year Honours List
31/12/10
157 Group congratulates outstanding FE staff recognised in New Year Honours List ---BEGINS--- 157 Group Executive Director Lynne Sedgmore has congratulated four outstanding members of staff from 157 member colleges who received Orders of the British Empire in the New Year Honours List. Pat ... read more
157 Group EMA research feaures in TES FE Focus
21/12/10
157 Group of top colleges calculates minimum requirement at 10 times current figure The scheme replacing the education maintenance allowance (EMA) is £200 million short of the bare minimum needed to support the poorest students, colleges have warned. After thousands of students and ... read more
157 Group research features in TES FE Focus - EMA keeps recipients in education for longer
03/12/10
Students who receive the education maintenance allowance (EMA) have better attendance records and are more likely to complete courses than wealthier students not eligible for the support, according to research. Despite coming from the poorest families and in some cases having low prior ... read more
Colleges in the Community Inquiry 2011
02/12/10
Press Release 2nd December 2010 PR220/10 COLLEGES IN THE COMMUNITY - JOINT INQUIRY LAUNCHED A joint-inquiry examining the role that colleges play in their community has been launched today, Thursday 2nd December 2010, by NIACE, the Association of Colleges and the 157 Group at a conference in ... read more
157 Group proposes learning accounts with real value
23/11/10
For immediate release: Tuesday 23 November 2010 157 Group proposes learning accounts with real value ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has published a policy paper setting out its vision for a system of accounts that could help provide people with access to learning in a system that reflects learner ... read more
Colleges Week special: Offering cost-effective and high-quality HE
11/11/10
Thursday, 11 November 2010 20:08 Today, the 157 Group article on Colleges Week 2010 and the value of HE in FE was published in FE News. The article is as follows: The focus of Colleges Week this year is on helping students make informed decisions about their progression and promoting colleges ... read more
157 Group publishes impact review and international case studies
05/11/10
For immediate release: Friday 5 November 2010 157 Group publishes impact review and international case studies ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has published its 2009-10 impact review and a set of materials highlighting the value of its member colleges' international work. The publications were ... read more
157 Group's Response to The Wolf Review of 14 to 19 Vocational Education
26/10/10
The 157 Group, in consultation with its Members has submitted its response to The Wolf Review of 14 to 19 Vocational Education. Please click here to download our response. For more information about the Wolf Review, please click here to visit the Department for Education's website. read more
157 Group believes there are tough times ahead for FE
20/10/10
157 Group believes there are tough times ahead for FE The spending review announcements made today for the Department for Education and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills signal a very difficult few years ahead for further education students. Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of ... read more
157 Group publishes Neets case studies and QCF discussion paper
19/10/10
For immediate release: Tuesday 19 October 2010 157 Group publishes Neets case studies and QCF discussion paper The 157 Group has published a set of case studies about young people who are not in education, employment or training (Neet) and a discussion paper about the Qualifications and Credit ... read more
157 Group says post-16 cuts could compromise the pupil premium
18/10/10
Monday 18 October 2010 157 Group says post-16 cuts could compromise the pupil premium Following George Osborne's announcement at the Conservative party conference that entitlement to child benefits would be scrapped for higher-rate taxpayers, the 157 Group has warned of the potential impact on ... read more
157 Group and MEG publish joint paper on higher education in colleges
11/10/10
Monday 11 October 2010 157 Group and MEG publish joint paper on higher education in colleges. The 157 Group and the Mixed Economy Group (MEG) have published a joint policy paper, Rising to the challenge: how FE colleges are key to the future of HE. The paper refers to Lord Browne's independent ... read more
157 Group Executive Director Present at Official State Reception of Pope Benedict XVI to England
16/09/10
The 157 Group Executive Director, Lynne Sedgmore CBE is currently present at the Official State Reception of Pope Benedict XVI, at the Palace of Holyrood House, Edingburgh, with the Queen & Royal Family. Pope Benedict XVI is in Britain from September 16-19, making the first Papal visit to ... read more
157 Group welcomes review of vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds
16/09/10
Thursday 16 September 2010 157 Group welcomes review of vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds The 157 Group of 28 large further education colleges in England has welcomed a Department for Education (DfE) announcement that Professor Alison Wolf is to lead a review of vocational education ... read more
Response to 'GCSE results: schools use vocational courses to boost scores'
24/08/10
Sir, The idea that vocational courses are 'practically irrelevant' ('GCSE results: schools use vocational courses to boost scores' August 23rd) is shameful sensationalism on the part of Civitas at a time when young people are entering a world of under-funded universities, high youth ... read more
157 Group is chosen as pathfinder for employee-led mutuals initiative
12/08/10
For immediate release: Thursday 12 August 2010 157 Group is chosen as pathfinder for employee-led mutuals initiative ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group of 28 large and successful further education colleges in England has been chosen as a pathfinder for the Cabinet Office's employee-led mutuals ... read more
Clarification on Invitation to work with 157 Group in partnership - announced 3rd August 2010
05/08/10
'With reference to the Invitation to Create an Awarding Organisation Partnership with the 157 Group as promulgated on 3rd of August 2010, this message is to clarify certain matters that have arisen from feedback to date: • As described in section 2 of the invitation, the 157 Group has ... read more
Invitation to work with 157 Group in partnership
04/08/10
Invitation to Create an Awarding Organisation Partnership with the 157 Group The 157 Group wish to explore the potential of being able to make significant efficiencies in existing costs currently paid to private awarding bodies and to award qualifications and accredit other non-framework ... read more
Spa and UCAS invitation to Admissions and Recruitment: Planning for 2011 and beyond
03/08/10
Admissions and Recruitment: Planning for 2011 and beyond (hosted jointly by SPA and UCAS) Tuesday 28 September 2010 The Met Hotel, Leeds SPA and UCAS are pleased to invite you to a joint conference entitled: Admissions and Recruitment: Planning for 2011 and beyond. With applications to HE ... read more
157 Group publishes strategic plan
15/07/10
157 Group publishes strategic planThe 157 Group has published its first strategic plan, developed in consultation with its members, 28 large and successful further education colleges in England. Frank McLoughlin CBE, chair of the 157 Group and principal of City and Islington College, said, ... read more
157 Group publishes leadership of locality case studies
24/06/10
For immediate release: Thursday 24 June 2010 157 Group publishes leadership of locality case studiesThe 157 Group has published a set of case studies describing the leadership roles that six of its member colleges play in their localities, bringing together providers and key agencies to ... read more
157 welcomes Coalition's new freedoms for colleges
17/06/10
The 157 Group has welcomed the new coalition government's plans for a series of measures to free up colleges, as outlined by the new minister for further education, skills and lifelong learning, John Hayes MP, in his first major speech to the FE sector, at City and Islington College on 17 June ... read more
157 Group article on...FE colleges have always done more with less, so it's time they were allowed to be free from bureaucratic burdens
14/06/10
By Lynne Sedgmore The new Government has made its first announcements about where budget cuts are to be made. With the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) facing a huge £836 million reduction, the 157 Group strongly welcomes the decision to protect funding for 16 to ... read more
157 Group article on...Is FE still the neglected 'middle child' between HE and schools?
14/06/10
It has been five years since Sir Andrew Foster's report characterised Further Education as the "disadvantaged" and "neglected middle child between Higher Education and schools". The Foster Report analysed the state of FE colleges in November 2005, and detailed 60 recommendations for raising ... read more
157 Group publishes policy papers on local leadership and building strong communities
14/05/10
The 157 Group has published two policy papers that represent the collective voice of its members, 28 of the largest and most successful further education colleges in England. Learning and skills needs local leadershipoffers powerful arguments for decentralising the planning arrangements for ... read more
157 Group welcomes opportunity to work with new coalition
12/05/10
The 157 Group has welcomed the opportunity to work with the new coalition government. Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "As the new Cabinet posts are being announced, we can see a genuine coalition emerging. Vince Cable as the new business secretary is someone with ... read more
157 Group advocates college options at 14
06/04/10
The 157 Group has published a compilation of eight case studies about young learners who started part-time or full-time college courses between the ages of 14 and 16. Entitled "Expanding choice: college pathways for 14 to 16-year-olds", the publication highlights how a diverse group of young ... read more
New equality and diversity case studies now available
15/03/10
The 157 Group is pleased to announce the publication of six new case studies on equality and diversity. Please click here to view these case studies. read more
157 forge partnership with FE news and FE Careers
15/03/10
FE News and FE Careers have announced a media partnership with the 157 Group, an influential association of 28 colleges that are dedicated to promoting excellence and raising the standard of Further Education and Skills in the UK. The 157 Group was formed in 2006, in response to the Sir Andrew ... read more
The Sheffield College joins the 157 Group
20/01/10
The 157 Group is pleased to announce that The Sheffield College is joining its membership. The decision brings the 157 Group membership total to 28 Colleges. Lynne Sedgmore Executive Director of the 157 Group said: "I am delighted that The Sheffield College is joining the 157 Group. I ... read more
157 Group congratulates Denise Brown-Sackey on Newham College Appointment
18/01/10
The 157 Group today congratulates Denise Brown- Sackey on her appointment as to Principal and Chief Executive of Newham College. Denise formally takes up post on the 19th of April when the current Principal Martin Tolhurst steps down. Lynne Sedgmore Executive Director of the 157 Group said: ... read more
157 Group celebrates individual and organisational Level 3 success
15/01/10
The 157 Group today congratulates students on their record Level 3 success. Hours of dedication from students and staff alike has resulted in record levels of achievement. Lynne Sedgmore Executive Director of the 157 Group said: "Congratulations to all those students who are celebrating ... read more
Outstanding FE Staff recognised in honours list
31/12/09
157 Group Press Release Thursday 31st of December 2009 For immediate distribution 157 Group Executive Director Lynne Sedgmore has congratulated three outstanding members of staff from 157 member colleges who received Orders of the British Empire in the New Year Honours List. Claire Wright ... read more
The 157 Group welcome the challenging and valuable advice from UKCES in their latest report "Towards Ambition 2020 skills, jobs, growth"
05/11/09
05/11/2009 The report acknowledges the pivotal role of colleges in the skills agenda alongside the significance of raising employer ambition; there is also a clear recognition of the importance of focusing resources and investment in front line services to the benefit of learners. Frank ... read more
The 157 Group publishes its first Annual Review
03/11/09
03/11/2009 Tonight the 157 Group will be launching its first Annual Review. Reflecting upon a dynamic year where the 157 Group has boosted its profile across government in learning and skills and related policy the review touches upon policy influence, the formulation of new partnerships and the ... read more
The 157 Group highlights colleges' work with local communities
29/06/09
For immediate release: 29 June 2009 ---BEGINS--- The 157 Group has published a set of six case studies describing how member colleges are engaging with local communities and supporting people - including those from some of the most disadvantaged and disaffected groups - to transform their lives ... read more
157 welcomes LSIS Chief Executive
17/06/09
The 157 Group congratulates Dr David Collins on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS).157 are pleased to play a continuing role in ensuring that LSIS is a responsive and sector led agency. Lynne Sedgmore 157 Executive Director said: 'I ... read more
Outstanding Further Education Leader Recognised in Birthday Honours List
16/06/09
The157 Group congratulates Dr Elaine McMahon, Principal of Hull College, and a member of the 157 Group, on receiving the honour of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.This award raises the number of 157 members who have been awarded honours to more than a ... read more
157 Group looks forward to working within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
08/06/09
The 157 Group today welcomed the opportunity to work within the new Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.157 Executive Director, Lynne Sedgmore CBE said: 'The creation of the new Department provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the key role that Further Education ... read more
157 Group case studies highlight colleges' recession-beating work
21/05/09
The 157 Group has published a set of six case studies describing how member colleges are working with local people and businesses to help them find creative solutions to the challenges they face and capitalise on new opportunities. The case studies feature the innovative work being done by: ... read more
157 Group congratulates Pat Bacon on election to AoC Presidency
06/05/09
The 157 Group today congratulated Pat Bacon, Principal of St Helens College, on her election as president of the Association of Colleges (AoC) for the 2009-10 academic year. Lynne Sedgmore, 157's Executive Director, said: "I am delighted that Pat has been elected to this key role within the ... read more
Raising Expectations
01/05/09
RAISING EXPECTATIONS - CONSULTATION: 157 GROUP RESPONSE1. Do you agree that transferring funding from the LSC to local authorities to create a single based strategic leader for 14-19 education and training is the right approach? Yes provided the issues of student choice, irrespective of local ... read more
FE has proved its right to offer bachelor degrees
23/02/09
Published in FE Focus on 13 February, 2009 The fact that further education providers can successfully deliver higher education courses should come as no surprise. After all, they have been doing so for decades. What is surprising, perhaps, is that both the quantity and quality of the higher ... read more
Time for unity to show we can run our affairs
23/02/09
Published in FE Focus on 6 February, 2009 By: Asha Khemka In recent months we have talked much about self-regulation and self-improvement. However, we need a common understanding of what self-regulation means for all who work within the sector. On one hand, self-improvement is a process of ... read more
Outstanding FE Leader recognised in Honours list
01/02/09
157 Group Press Release157 Group Executive Director Lynne Sedgmore has congratulated three Principals of member colleges who received Orders of the British Empire in the New Year Honours List. Frank Mcloughlin Principal of City and Islington College and Keith Elliott, Principal of City of ... read more
Colleges Can't Do More with Less
30/01/09
Colleges can't do more with lessNews | Published in FE Focus on 30 January, 2009 | By: Graham Moore OBE Just as accountants handle mergers and acquisitions in boom times, and receivership and administration in a recession, so education will prosper whatever the economic climate. Or will it? ... read more
Building Skills, Transforming Lives
01/09/08
A training and apprenticeships revolutionConservative Policy Green Paper No7 THE 157 GROUP RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER "We need a revolution in skills and training so everyone has the opportunity to make the most of their lives" "Training in the UK has just not caught up ... read more
