Ofsted Chief’s speech reveals outdated view of colleges

In a speech entitled Ambitious about English Education given to CentreForum, Sir Michael Wilshaw criticised colleges for failing to support students who perform badly and for poor careers guidance. Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “It is a real pity that Sir Michael chooses to use such outdated and incorrect language to describe the education and training provided by FE colleges. Colleges provide excellent pastoral support, work hard to ensure that all students are supported to help them succeed and advance their valuable employability skills and develop their career opportunities. “It is well documented, not least by Ofsted itself, that careers guidance in schools is not up to standard, and that is why AoC has been campaigning for ongoing careers education to help young people to prepare for the world of work.”