When the College Timetable Has No Room Left
Nearly three in four respondents to a new survey of England’s FE workforce said they experienced stress at work. It’s a difficult figure to read alongside a Budget that asked more of skills provision without announcing a general funding increase for colleges. [DfE] [HM Treasury]
The pressure behind the timetable
The DfE survey, published on 29 October, heard from 4,440 leaders, managers and teachers across FE colleges, sixth-form colleges, independent providers and adult community learning. In its weighted results, 72% reported stress. Just 45% agreed their workload was acceptable, while 40% disagreed. [DfE]
Another 37% said they planned to leave FE. That is an intention reported between November 2025 and January 2026, not a count of departures. The technical report also notes that permanent staff were over-represented. These limits matter, but the warning is hard to ignore. [DfE]
Workload or lack of time was a barrier to professional development for 60%. The report also identifies recruitment difficulties in engineering, construction, digital and mathematics. A vacancy can narrow the choices available to young people and adults alike. [DfE]
The national figures won’t describe every college. Senior teams can compare vacancies, sickness, exits and staff feedback by department, then check what teaching, placement support and employer contact actually require in the timetable. A CPD offer is of limited use when staff can’t get away to take it.
What the Budget changes, and what it doesn't
The Budget confirmed £100 million for mayoral apprenticeship brokerage across 2027/28 and 2028/29, extending pilots from seven to 14 authorities. The expansion was announced in September. It is not an allocation to every college, and local services still need to be specified. [HM Treasury]
From 1 April 2027, the minimum hourly rate will be £8.31 for 16 and 17-year-olds and eligible apprentices, £11.27 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £13.21 for workers aged 21 and over. Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first year must receive at least their age-related rate. Employer teams need the right rate for vacancy advice; HR and finance teams need it in their plans. [HM Treasury] [FE Week]
Apprentices must also make up at least 3% of the workforce on large government construction and infrastructure projects. Procurement detail is needed before saying a particular contract is covered. [HM Treasury]
For adult provision, the Budget confirms a £15 million annual Union Learning Fund from 2027/28, first announced in September. It may open partnerships, but is not a direct college award. AoC says there was no new general investment for FE colleges. [HM Treasury] [AoC]
The immediate job is grounded: check where staff capacity is tight, update wage advice and watch local brokerage plans. The Budget has not solved the workforce problem.
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