Background
Strengthening further education in England
We work to support and shape England’s further education (FE) system by focusing on high-quality technical pathways, effective employer partnerships, and building capacity across the FE teaching workforce.
We believe that every young person should have access to high-quality technical pathways, taught by confident, well-supported teachers and shaped by meaningful input from industry. Through research, policy work and partnerships, we’re helping to build a stronger, more coherent, post-16 education system.
A core focus of our work is supporting the rollout, delivery and continuous improvement of high-quality technical qualifications, particularly T-levels and apprenticeships. We provide evidence, insight and practical tools – ranging from support for teacher communities of practice, research to improve technical education pedagogy, development of effective employer engagement for industry placements and strong progression pathways.
We aim to help build strong, structured partnerships between colleges and employers, to ensure technical education reflects current and evolving industry needs. Our projects support the development of coherent local provision of technical education, and the work of colleges to enable innovation in the employers that they work with.
Apprenticeships
We commission research and make recommendations on how to improve the apprenticeship system and increase the number of apprenticeships available.
Building a stronger FE workforce
Gatsby funds research to support the growth of further education teachers, highlighting the need for more qualified teachers in fields like construction and engineering.
FE supporting business innovation
Supporting further education colleges to foster innovation, and help businesses develop and scale their products and services.
International technical education systems
Gatsby seeks to understand what world-class technical education systems look like, generating insights which support strategic policy decisions on system design and delivery.
Strengthening pathways into technical education
By strengthening the routes into technical education, we help to make it more accessible to a wider range of learners.
Supporting the implementation of T-levels
Gatsby supports the implementation of T-levels through a range of projects, from developing curriculum resources to enhancing industry placement opportunities.
Featured reports
The Experience of Becoming a Teacher in the English Further Education Sector
A systematic review of the overall experience and key themes of becoming a FE teacher between 2014 and 2023.
Author(s)
Andrew J Hobson, Bronwen Maxwell, Kinga Kaplar-Kodacsy, Jodi Roffey-Bartentsen, Kevin Orr
Analysis of T-level students' destinations: second cohort
Report and analysis on the destinations of 1,202 T-level students who completed their course in 2023
Author(s)
Richard Boniface, Graham Whalley
The Ghost of Provisions Past: How Can The Government Make a Success of Foundation Apprenticeships?
Against a chequered history of pre-employment and Level 2 employability skills training programmes, this research by MH&A explores what it would take for a new foundation apprenticeship programme to really work. This report makes recommendations on how foundation apprenticeships can play a valuable role, without compromising the apprenticeship brand and programme.
Author(s)
Rebecca Hayes, Emily Searle
Building a stronger FE college workforce: how improving pay and working conditions can help support FE college teacher supply
New insights on the FE workforce, including pay disparities between FE teaching and industry and other factors that may impact on recruitment and retention.
Author(s)
Lillian Flemons, Dawson McLean, Suzanne Straw, Gillian Keightley
Industry Placements in Technical Education Programmes: A Report of International Case Studies
Following international visits to six countries, this report highlights themes around how industry placements are implemented effectively in other countries to inform expansion of placements in England.
Author(s)
The Gatsby Foundation
External links
Supporting technical education teachers
With insight from specialist teachers, employers and professional bodies, we develop free teaching resources, commission research and host events to support subject-specific pedagogy and sharing of practice.
A world class careers system
Eight benchmarks to define world-class careers education, information, advice and guidance for young people in England, based on international evidence.
Demystifying the Education Landscape for employers
A skilled workforce drives business success. The Education Landscape: A Guide for Employers helps businesses understand the education and skills system and uncover new opportunities.