The college-led initiative will bring together expertise, resources and investment to develop AI solutions specifically tailored to the needs of FE students and staff, helping to improve learning outcomes, support teaching and make better use of resources.

While AI presents significant opportunities for education, many existing technologies have been developed for schools, universities or businesses, rather than the unique needs of FE colleges. A recent sector survey found that every participating college considered AI a strategic priority, yet only one in eight had a dedicated budget to support its development.

COMPASS aims to address this challenge through collaboration, enabling colleges to share knowledge, avoid duplicating efforts and collectively influence how AI is developed and introduced across the sector.

Developed following workshops involving more than 50 institutions, the partnership will initially focus on two key priorities:

• Improving student outcomes: Exploring how AI can help staff make better use of student data, identify individual learning needs earlier and provide more personalised support to help every student succeed.
• Building staff confidence and skills: Supporting teaching and professional services staff to use AI effectively and responsibly, with clear guidance, practical training and ethical safeguards.

Karen Redhead OBE, CEO and Principal of 91ɬ��, said: “AI is fundamentally transforming how we live, work and learn. Further education has a responsibility not just to prepare people for this future, but to help shape it. Through COMPASS, we have an opportunity to lead that change, harnessing the collective expertise of our colleges to ensure AI empowers our staff, creates new opportunities for our students and, most importantly, leaves no one behind.”

Keith Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC), added: “Together, colleges can shape the future of AI in further education. COMPASS gives our sector a collective voice, and a real stake in the technology our learners and staff will depend on for the next decade.”

Alongside 91ɬ��, the founding partners include EKC Group, HRUC, London South East Colleges, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Runshaw College and Shrewsbury College.

The partnership is being facilitated by public services consultancy The PSC, which will support the development and implementation of its plans.

In January 2027, COMPASS will host an FE AI Leadership Masterclass, bringing together college leaders to explore how they can support staff and students to embrace AI confidently and responsibly.

The founding partners will also begin identifying opportunities to develop solutions collaboratively, commission specialist providers or procure technology collectively.

With more colleges invited to join, COMPASS represents an important step towards ensuring the FE sector has a stronger voice in shaping the technology that will influence education for years to come.

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Up to 100% of apprenticeship training costs could be covered by the council, removing a significant financial barrier to recruiting and developing apprentices. Employers across all sectors, sizes, and stages of growth in the borough are encouraged to get involved, whether they are considering an apprenticeship for the first time or looking to expand an existing programme.

Apprenticeships offer businesses a practical way to develop talent, address skills shortages, and invest in their future workforce. Interested businesses will get access to workforce development support, recruitment assistance and high-quality training from Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme (EBAS) and 91ɬ�� who are running the campaign.

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Apprenticeships help people take their first step onto the career ladder while giving businesses access to new talent and fresh ideas. This campaign forms part of our wider ambition to strengthen our workforce, support local businesses, and ensure all local residents can benefit from good growth in the borough. Employers interested in creating an apprenticeship opportunity or learning more about the campaign can contact the campaign team by completing the pledge form.”

Ryan McCann, director of apprenticeships and business at 91ɬ��, said: “Every apprenticeship represents an opportunity for someone to gain valuable skills, earn while they learn, and build a successful career. At 91ɬ��, we work with employers every day to develop the talent they need, and we’re excited to be partnering with EBAS on this campaign. Whether an employer is creating their first apprenticeship or expanding an established programme, we can help them identify the right training solution for their business while opening doors for local people.”

Employers who get involved will also have the opportunity to join EBAS with a complimentary bronze membership, providing access to the borough’s growing employer network and a range of employment and skills support services. Within the 25 days of the campaign, employers are being asked to commit to providing an apprenticeship by the end of November.

The campaign will be launched at the EBAS Business Network Event on Wednesday 4 November, from 9am to 11am at Perceval House, where employers can find out more –

You can find the 25 Apprenticeships in 25 Days pledge form .

Find out more about EBAS and the progress of the campaign, where you can also view the employers who sign up, on .

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The event marked the first Industry Spotlight of the 2026/27 academic year, bringing together 135 students from Foundation Learning, Business, Public Services, Health & Social Care and GCSE English. Titled “The Future of Storytelling”, the interactive session explored how personal experiences, creativity and professional support can shape career development.

An EY Rising Star Award winner, Lili shared her unconventional career journey, revealing that she had worked in 28 different jobs before joining the company. Her experiences demonstrated that successful careers do not always follow a traditional path and that different opportunities and challenges can contribute to professional growth. Lili also spoke openly about living with bipolar disorder and ADHD, reflecting on how these experiences have influenced her career and development as a writer. She highlighted the importance of supportive workplaces, explaining how encouragement from her manager, alongside coaching and mentoring, had helped her recognise her strengths and progress professionally.

Alongside her role at EY, Lili is a writer and creator of “The Diary of Misfits and Those Up to No Good”, a creative project exploring people who challenge convention and the value of embracing individuality.

Artificial intelligence was another key theme of the session, with Lili encouraging learners to see AI as a tool to support research, generate ideas and enhance creativity, rather than replace human imagination. Drawing inspiration from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, she used storytelling and fictional characters to explore identity, belonging and individuality. Through interactive activities, students reflected on characters they identified with, experiences of feeling different and the qualities they believe technology cannot replicate.

Reflecting on her visit, Lili said: “It was a pleasure to be a guest speaker for this term’s first Industry Spotlight. It is an experience I will always treasure and one of the special highlights of my corporate journey and my career as a writer. I could see myself in so many of the young people there when I was their age. I hope I inspired the students that no matter what your challenges are, if you have the resources to support you including coaching and mentoring, the determination, motivation and the belief in your potential and capabilities, you can be whatever you want to be.”

Disun Majekodunmi, Programme Lead for Foundation Learning at 91ɬ�� and organiser of the Industry Spotlight programme, praised Lili’s openness in sharing her experiences: “What made Lili’s session so powerful was her willingness to share the whole journey, not simply where she is today. Hearing about the 28 different jobs she had before joining EY, the challenges she has experienced, and the importance of having a manager, coaches and mentors who believe in you gave our learners something very real to connect with. Lili also gave our students a thoughtful message about AI. She demonstrated that technology can be used as a research and creative tool, but that the ideas, imagination, judgement and human experience behind the story remain incredibly important.”

Marina Clark, Head of Foundation Learning and Business at 91ɬ��, emphasised the importance of connecting education with industry, adding: “Industry Spotlight is a valuable part of how we bring the world of work directly into the learner experience. Lili’s openness about her own journey, the challenges she has overcome and the importance of mentoring and supportive workplaces gave our students a powerful and relatable message. It was fantastic to see students from across different curriculum areas come together and leave with a greater sense of what is possible for their own futures.”

91ɬ��’s Industry Spotlight programme welcomes professionals from a range of sectors to share their career journeys, industry knowledge and experiences with learners, strengthening connections between education and the world of work. The session gave 135 students an opportunity to reflect on their own potential, explore different career pathways and recognise the value of creativity, resilience and supportive relationships in shaping their futures.

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The event, which took place earlier this week, was designed to explore one of the biggest challenges facing modern foodservice: how operators could respond to consumers’ appetite for exciting global flavours while simultaneously improving speed, consistency and efficiency in increasingly demanding kitchens.

The structured culinary workshop took delegates from an introduction to the Mizkan product range, through a flavour discovery tasting and chef innovation session, followed by professional photography of the dishes and a chef’s table sharing lunch.

The day opened with Welcome to the World of Mizkan, introducing chefs to a company whose history in Japan stretched back more than 220 years and nine generations.

Founded in 1804, Mizkan’s origins were closely connected to sake production. The company developed vinegar from sake lees; a by-product of the sake brewing process, at a time when nigiri sushi was booming in Edo, modern-day Tokyo.

That heritage continued to underpin Mizkan’s focus on authentic Japanese ingredients and Japanese-inspired flavours. The company’s presentation highlighted its considerable presence in Japan, where it described itself as number one in both retail and foodservice.

Felipe Donatelli, Senior Brand Manager at Mizkan, said: “The day was a great success and gave us a fantastic opportunity to work with The Chefs’ Forum to bring the Mizkan brand to life in a hands-on and engaging way. It was particularly valuable to showcase our heritage and new sauce range to prominent chefs and menu developers from across the industry, while also introducing the next generation of chefs at 91ɬ�� to Japanese-inspired flavours. Seeing the creativity in the kitchen and the different ways our sauces were used was incredibly rewarding. Bringing established industry professionals and students together created a real exchange of ideas and feedback, demonstrating just how versatile the Mizkan range can be across modern foodservice menus.”

Mizkan demonstrated how the sauces could work across sushi, poke bowls, skewers, fried chicken and vegetables, as well as more unexpected fusion applications including burgers, pizzas and carpaccio.

The delegate chefs and students then moved into the college’s purpose-built training kitchens, where they were challenged to develop and plate their own signature dishes using Mizkan ingredients.

The exercise brought the commercial discussion firmly into the kitchen. Chefs considered not only whether a dish tasted good, but whether it could realistically work in a fast-moving, multi-site operation, looking at preparation, repeatability, labour, versatility and speed of assembly.

The ready-to-use format opened up possibilities for creating multiple menu items from fewer products, using sauces for dipping, glazing, dressing, marinating and finishing while retaining consistency between sites.

Once the dishes were created, each finished plate received its “Hero Shot”, with professional food photography capturing the dishes developed during the workshop. The day culminated in a Chef’s Table Lunch, where participants shared their creations, exchanged ideas and discussed potential applications across their own businesses.

As a result of the day, three 91ɬ�� Hospitality and Catering students were offered trial shifts at Convene with Ross Pike, Mitzu with Aaj Fernando and The Lalit with Praveen Nayak.

The session demonstrated that Japanese-inspired flavours and operational simplicity did not have to be opposing objectives. By bringing together more than two centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with the commercial realities of contemporary UK foodservice, Mizkan gave chefs a practical platform from which to explore the next generation of Japanese-inspired QSR dishes.

Photography by Carlos Farinha 

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The One Million Futures Substack is a space curated by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn for the Young People and Work Review, examining why youth inactivity is rising in Britain and providing analysis, real-world insight and practical ideas for action.

In the article, Sharon reflects on her own journey from growing up in Shepherd’s Bush to studying Business and Finance at Hammersmith and Fulham College. A work experience placement arranged through her course led directly to her first full-time job as a finance administrator, an opportunity she says changed the course of her life and helped her build a career spanning finance, sales, HR and, ultimately, early careers.

She wrote: “Looking back, that relatively simple connection between college and an employer changed the course of my life.”

Drawing on that experience, Sharon argues that vocational and technical education should be valued alongside university as an equally credible route into employment. She highlights the importance of apprenticeships, T Levels and meaningful work experience, as well as stronger partnerships between employers, schools and colleges.

She also stresses that young people should not have to depend on chance to find the right route into work. “I am enormously grateful for that journey, but young people should not have to rely on luck to find their way into work,” she says.

Sharon calls for young people to have clearer access to opportunities that allow them to earn while they learn, develop practical skills and gain the workplace experience they need to build successful careers.

Read Sharon’s full article on the or find out more about apprenticeships at 91ɬ��.

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A group of staff and students attended the ‘FRO Festival, a three-day street takeover at Coal Drops Yard, celebrating the 10th World Afro Day®, celebrating hair, beauty, culture, food and fashion.

Channel 4 also attended the event, reporting on a new study capturing the experiences of Britons of all backgrounds, which found that many feel discrimination has become part of everyday life. In the report, conducted by the think tank British Future, almost half of those from ethnic minorities said they had experienced prejudice because of their race or nationality in the past year, and nearly 50% of those surveyed believe that racial equality is getting worse, not better.

Foundation learning programme lead and lecturer, and poet, Oladisun Majekodunmi, was filmed and featured on Channel 4 News at the event:

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CEO and Principal Karen Redhead OBE welcomed guests and thanked students’ families, college staff, Board members, partners and sponsors for the part they had played in supporting student success, before Chair of Governors Carole Kitching congratulated the students on the determination, resilience and dedication they had shown. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on a successful year for the college and its students. 91ɬ�� received the Mayor of London’s Inclusive Provider of Adult Education Award at the 2025 Adult Learning Awards, while science students Nour and Sheila took first prize in the biology and chemistry categories respectively at the London inter-college skills competitions.

This year’s guest speaker was Disun Majekodunmi, a 91ɬ�� teacher who led both the Student with Voices poetry challenge and the Unseen documentary project. Disun was recently named a Silver Award winner in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category of the Pearson National Teaching Awards, in recognition of his impact within the college community. He shared his experiences with guests before the awards presentations began.

The first award of the evening, Excellence in Construction and Motor Vehicle, went to Jack. During his Level 2 Plastering studies, he produced exceptional practical work and became a trusted mentor to fellow learners. Meckenzy received the award for Excellence in English and Maths. After previously missing the GCSE English grade he needed, he showed excellent attendance, determination and a strong commitment to improvement.

The Excellence in English for Speakers of Other Languages award went to Hamda. Her enthusiasm, hard work and growing confidence have supported her ambition to progress into ICT, Level 1 ESOL and Functional Skills Level 2. Molly won the Excellence in Foundation and Business award, sponsored by Red Kettle Media. While adapting to a new country and education system, she became a valued team member on placement and earned the title of “star barista”.

The Driven by Determination Award, sponsored by FE Associates, went to Andrew. He balances his T Level Health studies, placement and wider responsibilities with maturity, while his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award reflects his willingness to embrace new challenges.

The Excellence in Health, Care and Science award was shared by Nour and Sheila. Nour progressed from Level 2 to Level 3 Applied Science and went on to win the Biology category at the Greater London Skills Competition for Science. Sheila took first place in Chemistry at the same competition after completing additional training during half-term and on her days off. They both volunteers at open evenings, taster days and science events.

Sara received the award for Excellence in Inclusive Learning. She supports classmates academically and emotionally, uses sign language to encourage inclusion and has demonstrated creativity, independence and resilience.

The award for Excellence in IT, Digital and Creative Media went to Seyyedamirparsa. He regularly gives up his breaks to help other learners with maths and will progress to Queen Mary University of London to study Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Alex won the Excellence in the Service Industries award. While studying Level 3 Travel and Tourism, he has also been completing a Ukrainian degree and coping with events in his home country. His perseverance and progress reflect his ambition to build a career in aviation.

Billy received the Apprentice of the Year Award. He has excelled throughout his electrical apprenticeship and was also named joint winner of the Crown House Technologies Apprentice of the Year Award. The Jamal Edwards MBE Contribution to the Community Award, which was introduced in 2022 to pay tribute to former student, Jamal Edwards MBE, was presented to Anuska. As student president and a student board member, she represents learners, supports college activities and works to improve the student experience, despite facing personal health challenges.

The evening concluded with the Board of Governors Award for Excellence, selected from the category winners. Carole announced Jack as the overall winner.

91ɬ�� would like to thank sponsors Aramark, FE Associates, Kindred, Learning Curve Group, Mindful Education and Red Kettle Media for their support.

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The project provides a platform for students to share their lived experiences, identities, talents and aspirations through film and photography, challenging assumptions, increasing understanding of neurodiversity, and encouraging audiences to look beyond labels.

The documentary was officially unveiled at Linden House on Upper Mall, overlooking the River Thames in Hammersmith. The launch brought together students and their families, staff, college governors, project partners and members of the wider community to celebrate the achievements of the young people involved and hear directly from the voices at the heart of the project.

James Taylor, Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality at 91ɬ��, said: “Unseen: Voices Beyond Labels is a powerful example of what can be achieved when students are given the opportunity to share their experiences and tell their own stories. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in this project, and of the confidence, creativity and resilience they have demonstrated throughout.

“Unseen reflects our commitment to inclusion and belonging, and to ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to be heard, valued and celebrated.”

Guests were moved by the honesty, creativity and confidence shown throughout the documentary, exhibition and learner presentations. Students spoke openly about how taking part in the project had helped them gain a greater understanding of themselves, build their confidence, strengthen their resilience and find their voice. Many also reflected on how the experience had helped them recognise strengths and talents they had not previously appreciated in themselves.

One attendee said: “To have the opportunity to see your diverse and talented students, whatever their role in producing Unseen, performing with such confidence and, most importantly, expressing themselves so freely, was something that will stay with me for a very long time.”

“The documentary was beautiful and will make a massive difference to our understanding of neurodiversity and the talents that are too often unseen. It was a deeply moving experience, and seeing the young people express themselves with such confidence, pride and authenticity was truly inspiring. What amazing futures are opening for them!”

A particularly powerful part of the launch was hearing directly from the students themselves. Everyone involved, from those who worked behind the scenes to those featured in the documentary and photography exhibition, had the opportunity to share their experience of participating in the project.

Created in partnership with TEA Films, the documentary captures learners’ authentic voices and personal stories, while the accompanying photography exhibition celebrates individuality, creativity and belonging.

The project also features an original soundtrack composed by Lilia Porter in collaboration with The Rhythm Studio, adding another dimension to the students’ stories.

Unseen: Voices Beyond Labels was generously funded by the Sheila Coates Foundation. Its support enabled students to develop new skills, share their experiences and bring the project to life through film, photography and music. The project reflects 91ɬ��’s commitment to inclusion, representation and ensuring that every student can be heard, valued and celebrated. By giving students the opportunity to tell their stories in their own words, the project shines a light on voices that are too often overlooked and demonstrates the power of creativity, inclusion and self-expression.

You can watch the full documentary here:

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Disun creates learning environments where students feel safe and genuinely welcomed. Many students arrive with complex needs including ASC, SEMH, ADHD, trauma, visual impairment, EHCPs and histories of exclusion or long-term disengagement, with Disun adapting the curriculum design, resources and delivery to make learning accessible and aspirational.

In addition, he actively ensures our students experience the wider world through a range of enrichment projects, including the Students with Voices poetry competition, workshops with professional poets, public performances at Riverside Studios, and a publication of learner poetry collections with original book cover designs.

Disun, who was nominated by Marina Clark, Head of Foundation and Business, is among 99 outstanding teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff, and education settings honoured as Silver Winners in this year’s awards on National Thank a Teacher Day, in recognition of their dedication and impact.

Disun will now be in with the chance of winning the prestigious Gold award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Long before children find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, there is usually a teacher who helped them get there, working patiently and persistently, and often without any recognition at all. That is what makes National Thank a Teacher Day so important. It is a rare and well-deserved moment to celebrate our teachers and say we are grateful.

“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy, and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating. Thank you for the dedication you show every single day”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, added: “For many of us, a teacher was the person who helped us believe in ourselves and recognise what we were capable of. Every day, educators support young people to be the best they can be, nurturing their potential and leaving a lasting impact that follows them into adulthood. We are proud to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers up and down the country who make our schools so special. This year’s Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country, and we’re delighted to be celebrating them today. Congratulations to every Silver Winner!”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “On Thank a Teacher Day we stop to appreciate the extraordinary lengths teachers go to, every single day, to inspire the young people in their classrooms.

“I know more than most how great teachers shape young lives. So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication, your commitment and your hunger to help your pupils go on to live better, more fulfilling lives.”

Hannah Sterling, Commissioning Editor at The Sunday Times, Sponsor of the Award for SEND and Inclusive Practice says: “The educators and schools recognised this year have shown extraordinary dedication to ensuring that every child has a fair chance to flourish. Their work, often complex, transforms not just individual lives but whole school communities. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful for everything they do. Congratulations.”

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The event took place on 22 April at Errigal Academy in London and brought together some of the region’s most talented construction apprentices and trainees to compete in one of the UK’s most respected skills competitions.

Max had never entered the competition before, making his first place finish an exceptional achievement. Damian, who had previously competed in SkillBuild, used his experience to deliver another strong performance and secure second place.

Both students are completing their training at 91ɬ�� while working as apprentices with Locker & Riley, a specialist decorative plastering company with a long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, technical excellence and workforce development.

Delivered by SkillBuild, the competition challenges apprentices to demonstrate high levels of technical ability, precision and time management under pressure. Competitors in the plastering category were given six hours to complete a demanding project designed to test Level 2 industry skills, including skimming, rendering, floating and fibrous plastering, while working to tight tolerances and professional industry standards.

Max’s first-place finish now puts him in contention for a place in the SkillBuild National Final this November, subject to achieving one of the highest qualifying scores nationally.

Steve Plummer from Locker & Riley said: “We recruit around three to five new apprentices each year through our in-house training programme to help continue the art of plastering. With around 140,000 vacancies currently across the construction industry, it’s vital that we continue developing skilled individuals for the future. The success of both students reflects not only their individual dedication and talent, but also the high standards of training, professionalism and industry partnership that continue to drive success at 91ɬ��. Max has made an excellent start to his career. He is keen to learn new skills and embraces challenges in a positive way. I’m sure he will continue to grow into a fantastic tradesman.”

His tutor, Les, added: “Max works very quickly and his attention to detail is excellent. He has a fantastic attitude, great attendance and a high level of skill.”

Max said: “Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve become deeply invested in progressing and achieving as much as possible in the trade. The team at Locker & Riley and my college tutor, Les, have been incredibly supportive throughout.”

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