Darren Hankey
Principal of the underfunded, overlooked, undervalued yet marvellous Hartlepool College of FE. Raised on a council estate & FSM throughout school.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyStone Roses Mani's star-studded Manchester send-off. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Darren Hankey🧵 New ONS data reveals another increase to NEET rates—especially for young women and those aged 21–24. I'm making my first foray on Bluesky to share my thoughts! The stats show 948,000 young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET). That’s 12.8% of all 16–24 year olds.
- Other results are also available.
- Today is #GCSEResultsDay! Here’s what we know about the results as of yet ⤵️ 🧵
- I know lots of results are being collected today, but it's great to see adult learners achieve GCSE English and/or maths. Nearly all of these learners studied whilst juggling work, family & other commitments, & many had deep hang-ups re starting last September. Well played 👏👏👏
- Reposted by Darren HankeyIf any legal firm wants to set up a fundraiser to sue Robinson for libel on behalf of Ayeni I will happily contribute. (Assuming he wants to sue).
- Reposted by Darren HankeyClear pattern emerging: impact of new taxes on private schools, non-doms and large farms is far smaller than typically suggested. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
- He's been! He's been!
- Reposted by Darren HankeyIf you’ve been following @noblefrancis.bsky.social this won’t come as a surprise. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- It's also a national disgrace that many of these young people go to their local FE college and become brickies, chippies, sparkies, designers, engineers, platers, welders, hairdressers, carers etc and these achievements don't get the recognition they deserve.
- Reposted by Darren Hankeyif I ever go properly "screaming about nothing in particular in the street" mad it will be due to having spent too much time having read about the opinions of men who have absolutely never cared about women's rights for one moment in their lives but decided to pretend just for the sake of racism
- Reposted by Darren HankeyNew post just out: "The Great VAT Panic" The claims made by the right-wing press about VAT on private school fees were wildly wrong. Why? What are the lessons about about (how not to) run a lobbying campaign? And what can government learn? (£/free) open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyASCL FE Advisory Board member, Principal and CEO @darrenhankey.bsky.social writes in Leader on the challenges colleges face trying to deliver qualifications to young people under the current financial constraints of a severely neglected sector: (member log in required): ow.ly/oWCx50WlHhB!
- Reposted by Darren HankeyThere’s an emerging sense of scandal around the children’s homes company Dimensions Care, which is owned by financial investors. Overlooked by national media, thus far… www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventr...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyIn case you were wondering, that sound you can hear is the scraping of deckchairs as they are frantically rearranged at Ofsted towers.
- Next Thursday sees the release of this year's level 3 results. Let's see how many folk, who should really know better, omit recognising the achievements of 000s of people who achieve vocational/technical qualifications 👀
- Reposted by Darren HankeyMany of our focus group participants stated difficulties accessing the flexibility they require at work, and instead turn to non-traditional forms of work, including zero-hours contracts and self-employment. But this comes with drawbacks - particularly the lack of employment rights.
- "The UK starts from a low baseline: we have some of the weakest worker protections in the OECD."
- Millions of workers experience the problems associated with insecure work. This includes 1.1 million workers on low pay. Read more: buff.ly/0OSArrI
- Reposted by Darren HankeyLET IT FLOW! Farage spreading lies again as sewage problem escalates. Here's today's @thenorthernagenda.bsky.social cartoon... www.shareyourstories.live/northern-agenda/
- Reposted by Darren Hankey
UK vehicle manufactures have fallen to the lowest level since 1953 reports BBC and Guardian. Lots of stuff on Trump tariffs and EVs. Yet, looking at the data the dramatic rupture seems to be in 2016. A total mystery what that was.... - I can understand the American President's anger at South Park. I was a novice teacher when this chap was introduced to our screens. IYKYK
- Reposted by Darren HankeyIndeed. Something we reflected on in this recent report. learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...
- For decades, skills policy has focused on supply-side issues with tweaks to qualifications, structures & targets dominating. The demand for, utilisation of and investment in skills rarely get a mention 👇
- "The UK is systemically underinvesting in learning and skills, holding back productivity and opportunity. That needs to change." ✍️ L&W chief exec @stephenevans.bsky.social responds to the latest skills survey data from the Department for Education.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyWhatever the merits of the policy on information on work checks, this seems ill-judged and inappropriate messagimg & imagery from the UK government.
- Not great and in addition to the 23k who lost jobs in FE between 2010-17.
- Last week I was wondering how many jobs in HE are currently being cut (despite ever increasing research, teaching, and admin workloads). Well an article in THE says around 20,000 (paywalled I think) www.timeshighereducation.com/news/uk-univ...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyI'm not convinced Allison has ever met the British Army. The officers are generally somewhere on the political spectrum between James Cleverly and Dan Jarvis. It would end up being the first ever centrist coup*.
- Some interesting stuff.
- A new IPR report by researchers from @uniofbath.bsky.social, @edgeuk.bsky.social and FFT Education Datalab, funded by @nuffieldfoundation.org, examines the Raising of the Participation Age, which aims to keep more young people in #education and training. buff.ly/ZlD5aER 🧵
- Reposted by Darren HankeyA new IPR report by researchers from @uniofbath.bsky.social, @edgeuk.bsky.social and FFT Education Datalab, funded by @nuffieldfoundation.org, examines the Raising of the Participation Age, which aims to keep more young people in #education and training. buff.ly/ZlD5aER 🧵
- The intent behind T Levels is laudable, but far too many places across England just do not have the economy to support the 45-day industry placements at scale. This problem has not been addressed & there are no clear solutions on the horizon.
- 🪓 Tens of thousands of youngsters are at risk of falling through a 'qualifications gap' in key areas of the economy because of the government’s plan to scrap BTECs, campaigners estimate feweek.co.uk/btecs-axe-wi...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyASCL FE Advisory Board member, Principal and CEO @darrenhankey.bsky.social writes on the challenges colleges face trying to deliver qualifications to young people under the current financial constraints of a severely neglected sector: (member log in required): ow.ly/oWCx50WlHhB!
- Reposted by Darren HankeyIt remains, along with the welfare cap, the undisputed worst policy of my lifetime. Piling on future costs and present misery for zero benefit beyond a few Sun and Mail page leads.
- Standard.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyByker, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1977, photo by Belgian photographer Martine Franck (1938-2012).
- Reposted by Darren Hankey🔥 16 hottest education related research papers from the last 8 weeks: (all open source 🔓) ↓
- Interesting stuff and lots for policymakers to ponder especially in terms of reducing policy churn and ensuring more employers take on apprentices.
- Our latest report with SKOPE (@education.ox.ac.uk) – funded by @nuffieldfoundation.org – warns that UK nations are failing to provide a coherent and equitable education offer for 16–19-year-olds. Key takeaways below ⬇️ feweek.co.uk/make-post-16...
- Interesting stuff. There's much more for employers and policymakers to do to ensure high quality work experience opportunities are available for young people.
- 🚨 NEW REPORT | Britain is failing to prepare young people for the future. 🎒 Fewer than half feel ready for work 💼 2 in 5 have never done work experience 🤝 6 in 10 say opportunity depends on 'who you know' It's time for a real youth guarantee. Read more: www.ippr.org/articles/tow...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyThe C&G report shows that investment in adult education is now 40% less in real-terms vs 2010. That's bad BUT in 2008 the loss of 1.5 million adult learner places in the previous two years prompted a multi-agency campaign. It's a continuing and catastrophic decline. tinyurl.com/ye3nsmax
- An interesting report out today by City & Guilds. A gentle reminder: -Investment in 16-18 education is currently ~10% less in real-terms vs 2010. -For adult education the figure is ~40% -Employer investment in skills is at a 20-year low. www.cityandguilds.com/news/july-20...
- An interesting report out today by City & Guilds. A gentle reminder: -Investment in 16-18 education is currently ~10% less in real-terms vs 2010. -For adult education the figure is ~40% -Employer investment in skills is at a 20-year low. www.cityandguilds.com/news/july-20...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyPerhaps worth thinking about the costs of getting to net zero in the context of the costs (economic & human) of this… www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyYesterday we welcomed Year 10s from Dyke House School for Day 3 of our #FELife sessions. They got stuck into hands-on tasters in Joinery, Brickwork, Engineering, Catering, Aerospace, VR Policing and more. Today, we welcome Easington & Northfield Schools #TransformingLives #CollegeLife
- All of this was predicted but, as ever, policymakers didn't listen. Whilst the intent behind T Levels is laudable, the fact is far too many places across England don't have the economy to sustain the industry placements at scale.
- 📣 T Levels could remain a 'minority pursuit' if ministers fail to achieve a 'critical mass of student enrolments by clarifying career pathways and improving employer engagement, MPs have warned feweek.co.uk/pac-t-levels...
- Reposted by Darren Hankey1. Interestingly / disappointingly the proportion of 16, 17 & 18 year olds in education or apprenticeships has FALLEN since the education participation age was raised to 18 in England in 2015. Biggest drop for 18 year olds. None are huge, but lines were meant to go up & we need to do better.
- Talent is widespread, opportunity isn't.
- 🎙️NEW FINDINGS🎙️ Updated analysis from our @nuffieldfoundation.org funded work on shows that inequalities by socio-economic background have *increased* over time for the latest year of recruitment as competition for graduate jobs have increased repec-cepeo.ucl.ac.uk/cepeow/cepeo...
- Reposted by Darren Hankey#TheSmithsTop30 6. What Difference Does It Make? "All men have secrets, and here is mine So let it be known" youtu.be/XbOx8TyvUmI?...
- Love this.
- From murals and makeovers to raising over £1,000, our College students and staff continue to support @alicehousehospice.bsky.social through our ongoing partnership and patronage. Read More: bit.ly/hcfenews88 #TransformingLives #Community #Charity #Volunteering #Enrichment
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- Reposted by Darren Hankey🆕 BRIEFING | Eight sectors, one story Our latest briefing sets out the geography of the eight chosen sectors in the Industrial Strategy and what this means for its implementation. Read the briefing 👇 buff.ly/eKA9qf4
- Reposted by Darren HankeyA short 🧵 on this piece by an ex Biden adviser in the FT. First, and most obviously, a lot of “left behind” places are short of the growth industries identified in the IS, which is an important reason why they’re “left behind” Not much in the IS for places like Blackpool.
- Our heads are bloodied but unbowed
- Reposted by Darren HankeyThis is the freight train almost no one has noticed coming down the tracks. Wage stagnation, expensive housing, smaller private pensions are going to be a terrible combination.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyIf Jeff Bezos can spend that much on a wedding, he can afford to pay his taxes and his workers.
- Talent is widespread, opportunity isn't.
- High-paying firms and high-earning workers tend to be concentrated in the ‘Greater South East’. Our latest research explores the role of place in driving regional pay inequalities ➡️ buff.ly/ycjN6KI
- Fascinating stuff. The kind of thing @tomchivers.bsky.social and @stuartjritchie.bsky.social discuss on their podcast. schoolsweek.co.uk/fidget-spinn...
- Reposted by Darren Hankey*amazing* graph from the daily telegraph. Look at that axis, look at it
- Reposted by Darren HankeyGovt data confirms 43,000 16-24 year-olds could lose the PIP daily living element. Will this increase the number of young people who are NEET? The link between PIP reform and NEET should be urgently assessed say @paulbivand.bsky.social and @markcorney.bsky.social Read here: bit.ly/YoungPeoplea...
- Reposted by Darren Hankey📣 NEW: Nearly 6 million people are balancing employment with unpaid care. Targeted support is required to help them pursue fulfilling careers, our latest research finds. #CarersWeek #HealthierWorkingLives @healthfoundation.bsky.social (1/8) 🧵
- Reposted by Darren Hankey"Those who need this care the most cannot access it": nursery availability is lowest in England’s most deprived neighbourhoods, with private-equity-backed providers less likely to open in them, finds a new report led by @drantoniasimon.bsky.social @ioe.bsky.social and funded by @jrf-uk.bsky.social
- Reposted by Darren HankeyChart-heavy thread incoming. This is an attempt to survey the research to answer the question - were the forecasts predicting a lot of Brexit damage correct? 1/n.
- The Constitution Society and Federal Trust asked me to do a survey of the evidence on the economics of Brexit, nine years on from the vote. Hopefully it's a helpful reference. Short answer: the consensus was right - a large hit to GDP, trade and investment. consoc.org.uk/publications...
- A fascinating listen. Thank you @stuartjritchie.bsky.social and @tomchivers.bsky.social www.thestudiesshowpod.com/p/episode-76...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyToday is International Women in Engineering Day. So much that needs to be done here in the UK. I wrote a policy brief about some of the underlying issues last month www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/publications...
- A hot summer's day and sticky black tarmac Feeding ducks in the park and wishing you were far away
- Reposted by Darren HankeyPer student, education spending is still below its 2009-10 levels. Meanwhile, health spending continues to storm ahead. Read more: buff.ly/CAcy8AB
- Another excellent listen & great to hear the plight of the state of investment in FE aired.
- 🚨NEW PODCAST🚨 Did the Spending Review deliver good or bad news for the education sector? Katie Carr and @danihpayne.bsky.social joined me to discuss whether schools, colleges and universities received the right level of investment and attention. Listen here: insideyoured.com
- Reposted by Darren Hankey@tanglewoodgames.bsky.social set a live game design brief for our BTEC IT students. Tanglewood: “The creativity, design, and effort were really impressive.” Congrats to Cian Veart, who came out on top with an innovative and challenging game. #HartlepoolCollege #GameDesign #DigitalCareers
- Reposted by Darren HankeyONS published this a.m. the latest real-time indicators, including online vacancies. www.ons.gov.uk/economy/econ.... My chart shows a sharp rise now, and in May 2019, so it is possible seasonal factors aligned, but now 25% lower.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyBravo to Durham Miners’ Association 👏👏 www.durhamminers.org/statement_du...
- Yep.
- 'I think there’s still some way to go to convince the very top echelons of the DfE that what we’re talking about, about context, isn’t an excuse, it’s a reality that has a massive impact on the performance of our schools' schoolsweek.co.uk/profile-chri...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyCelebrate the Creative Class of 2025 ~ '175 Design Exhibition' See bold, creative work from Level 2 & 3 Art & Design students. 📅 Tues 17 June 🕓 4.00 – 6.00 pm 📍 Hartlepool College of FE Support the next wave of creative talent! #TransformingLives #Art #Design #Exhibition #Classof2025
- Reposted by Darren HankeyWhat howling hole in your soul requires you to be paid 78 times more than your average colleague? Seriously, what is *wrong* with these people? That’s not the sort of mental state you want in someone with power & influence.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyNew: US bosses at cladding firm which sold material for use on Grenfell knew it was unsafe and knew it was being sold for use on the tower, newly released emails reveal www.thetimes.com/uk/london/ar...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyTell me about it
- Reposted by Darren HankeyAs it was obvious they would. A huge waste of parents' money by lawyers who saw an easy payday.
- Showaddywaddy.
- Reposted by Darren HankeyOn Facebook, there is a live "Ballymena Reaction Group" page saying it is a "war" and which has over 2 days posting information to direct attacks, issuing threats, and asking mobs to exempt some houses. It has 4.8k followers We urgently need to Make Facebook & X Lawful Again
- Reposted by Darren HankeyI see Ofsted are sticking with their "parents like it" like for the new framework. Did anyone tell the parents that the judgements would likely be very unreliable? It's like asking if folk approve if speed cameras that only catch 'bad drivers' who are speeding. Popular but unachievable.
- Ministers should look at cutting the bureaucracy - see apprenticeships for details. Let's also hope the CAR reduces the burden of assessment, especially in vocational/technical qualifications, where all the criteria have to be covered. This is a burden on staff and students.
- 🆕 Ministers are asking schools, colleges and training providers to step forward to become edtech 'testbeds' and help find scalable solutions to cut teacher workload feweek.co.uk/fe-providers...
- Reposted by Darren HankeyAhead of the CSR, college leaders across the UK back the UK Government's ambitions for economic growth and opportunity, but say that to truly deliver on these, Whitehall must invest. Colleges: 💪 Empower Young People 🧱 Support Industry 📚 Uplift Adults. nation.cymru/news/college... @colegau.cymru
- Reposted by Darren Hankey"Why is #DEI now under attack? Perhaps because... there is a sizeable community who regularly face exclusion & barriers to the workplace who have felt systematically left out of these initiatives – those from working class backgrounds". #SocialMobility #HR
