Our priorities for FE and skills in England 2026-27
Over 2026/27, we will work with colleges, government and sector partners to help English further education respond confidently to reform, devolution and rapid technological change.
By the end of the 2026/27 academic year, our priorities are:
Sector leadership and influence
Strengthen FE’s national digital foundations
- We will champion sustained investment in the shared connectivity, infrastructure, cyber security and digital services colleges need, ensuring all FE and skills providers are reflected in national planning
Strengthen FE’s voice in digital policy
- We will bring college evidence into government decisions on AI, cyber security, digital skills, technology standards and post-16 reform, championing practical approaches that work across diverse settings
Enable responsible and effective AI adoption
- We will build the confidence, governance and capability leaders, staff and governors need to use AI safely and prepare learners and staff for an AI-enabled economy
Increase impact through strategic partnerships
- We will work with key sector partners on measurable initiatives that strengthen provider capability, expand learner opportunity, reduce digital exclusion and support lifelong learning
Protect equitable access through devolution
- We will help government and mayoral strategic authorities combine local flexibility with shared national infrastructure, so every provider and learner can access secure, sustainable digital services
Sector-wide challenges
Turn digital ambition into measurable transformation
- We will use our digital elevation tool to help at least 25 colleges assess maturity, prioritise action, demonstrate progress and share learning across the sector
Build digital capability across FE leadership and governance
- With sector partners, we will equip leaders, staff and governors to make informed technology decisions, manage risk and lead sustainable change, supported by workforce development and evidence on IT capacity and investment
Enable technical education and devolved skills priorities
- We will work with colleges, the Association of Colleges and mayoral combined authorities to develop a shared framework and practical examples showing how digital, data and technology can support technical pathways, local skills priorities and responsive provision
Use data to improve learner journeys and outcomes
- We will work with government and mayoral combined authorities to pilot joined-up, standardised data that improves understanding of participation, progression and outcomes, enabling earlier intervention, better planning and informed decisions
Together, these priorities will help English FE providers strengthen their digital foundations, make confident use of AI and data, respond to reform and devolution, and deliver better experiences and opportunities for learners. They form part of our 2030 strategy, particularly our commitments to provide sector leadership, address shared challenges, enable collaborative innovation and support more efficient, sustainable ways of working.