The research consists of two key components:
- A survey of the Further Education (FE) workforce to capture current views of FE leaders, managers and teachers
- A feasibility study to explore the possibility and relevance of a long-term approach for future waves of data collection.
The new survey will inform targeted and effective workforce policy, and fill critical gaps left by existing provider-level data and outdated surveys.
The project will survey the views of FE leaders, managers and teachers in General Further Education Colleges (GFECs), Sixth Form Colleges (SFCs) and Independent Training Providers (ITPs). It will also include: interviews with Department for Education (DfE) policy and data staff; a consultation with key stakeholders from organisations with expertise in the post-16 sector, and academics with relevant expertise; and focus group discussions with FE teachers and leaders.
The project utilises a mixed-methods design and focuses on two work strands: the FE survey and the longitudinal feasibility study. The survey will combine quantitative questions with a small number of qualitative (open-ended) ones. The feasibility study will be divided into an evidence and data review and qualitative research with different FE stakeholders and the FE workforce.
Participation will involve taking part in a remotely conducted interview or focus group discussion, and/or completion of an online consultation or survey.
Taking part ensures that the voices of FE leaders, managers, and teachers are heard, including on issues like workload, recruitment, retention, and professional development. In addition, colleges/ITPs who achieve a minimum of 10 responses will receive a tailored report comparing the anonymised responses of participants from their college/ITP to colleges/ITPs nationally, allowing them to benchmark their results to other similar providers. FE teachers and leaders taking part in the focus groups will receive a thank you voucher.
The project will run from September 2025 until end of May 2026.
Teachers, managers and leaders within colleges and ITPs, stakeholders representing the post-16 education and training sector, and DfE policy and data leads will be invited to take part.
If you would like any additional information or have any further questions, please contact, Matt Walker, NFER Senior Research Manager.
