Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Suffolk college backs scrapping English and maths tests for adult apprentices

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk New College is supporting new government changes that remove mandatory English and maths qualifications for apprentices over 19, affecting 47 current adult learners at the institution.

Why it matters: The Department for Education (DfE) reforms aim to overcome 'red tape' and will lead to "10,000 more apprenticeship starts every year", according to Education Secretary Bridgette Phillipson.

The big picture: The changes give employers, colleges and providers flexibility to decide whether adult apprentices need to complete GCSE-equivalent English and maths qualifications to finish their apprenticeship.

Sarah Hancock from Sizewell C at Suffolk New College
Sarah Hancock from Sizewell C at Suffolk New CollegeSuffolk New College

Local impact:

  • 47 adult apprentices at Suffolk New College are currently required to complete English and/or maths qualifications, with 18 studying both subjects.

  • The college is creating information packages to help employers understand the changes.

  • Some apprenticeships can now be completed in eight months instead of 12, which Principal Alan Pease believes will help meet employer needs, "particularly on large infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C."

  • Sizewell C HR Director Sarah Hancock said: "At least 540 of the 1,500 apprenticeships we're offering over the construction period will come from Suffolk. These are life-changing opportunities, providing hundreds of young people the chance to gain new skills and find opportunities to build careers right here in Suffolk."

What they're saying: Suffolk New College  Principal and CEO Alan Pease  said: "We very much welcome the news. I believe it will remove barriers for adult learners who will no longer need to take an English and maths qualification as they look to gain more skills via apprenticeships."

Alan Pease, CEO and principal of Suffolk New College at No.10 Downing Street
Alan Pease, CEO and principal of Suffolk New College at No.10 Downing StreetSuffolk New College

For context: The announcement comes during National Apprenticeship Week, with Suffolk New College hosting their annual apprenticeship awards night where nine learners received awards across various subjects.

What's next: Pease hopes the DfE will extend similar policies to younger learners, saying colleges should be trusted to "embed numeracy and literacy skills within a vocational context as part of their qualifications."

The bottom line: The college will work with current apprentices and employers to navigate the new process, while encouraging local businesses to reach out for support in understanding the changes.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article