13 February 2025
Originally featured in FE Week: FE is becoming an attractive career move for HE leaders
FE is often viewed as the less glamorous sibling of Higher Education (HE). But recent shifts in the education landscape suggest FE may be gaining traction as an attractive sector for leaders seeking purpose, clarity, and impact.
Higher Education is navigating one of its toughest periods. Its leaders face immense pressure as institutions grapple with funding challenges and workforce instability. That is combined with the sector’s growing international focus. While rewarding for some, this trend leaves others yearning for a more localised or UK impact. As a result, we’ve seen an increasing number of professionals reevaluating their career paths.
Stability and Security
The recent reclassification of colleges into the public sector has diluted some of the financial volatility that previously plagued FE, although it is still victim to funding changes. While not immune to economic pressures, institutions now benefit from a little more stability and reduced commercial risk. This shift is particularly appealing to leaders in HE who may be weary of constant restructuring and redundancies.
Proximity to HE and the Skills Agenda
The boundaries between HE and FE have never been closer. Regulatory bodies and inspectorates such as the Office for Students and Ofsted are increasingly overlapping in their oversight, particularly as universities expand into apprenticeship provision. This convergence has highlighted the strategic importance of skills development, a core purpose of FE. Boards within colleges are also recognising the value of HE representation, creating opportunities for HE leaders to influence at the board level, as well as considering those with an HE background for senior roles. Greater recognition from HE about the importance of FE representation on their boards would be welcomed.
High Performance and Career Growth
FE institutions are achieving their best-ever Ofsted ratings, reflecting a period of high performance across the sector. Mergers and the growth of college groups have further expanded career pathways and new roles.
These are colleges worth £100 million rather than the low tens. These larger, more complex organisations demand strategic leadership, particularly in areas like corporate services. HR can be transactional in some colleges but needs to be strategic and ensure meaningful workforce planning. For leaders, this represents a chance to shape influential institutions with a regional focus and a strong community purpose.
Larger colleges and groups can also of course offer larger salaries, so attract individuals who wouldn’t have considered FE before.
Making a Local Impact
For many leaders, the appeal lies in a localised mission. Unlike universities, which often prioritise global rankings, international students, and international research, colleges focus on transforming their communities, playing the oft-used term ‘anchor institution’ role. FE leaders can see the immediate impact of their work, whether through improving educational outcomes, enhancing society, forging partnerships with local businesses, or addressing skills shortages. This sense of purpose resonates with professionals seeking roles where they can make a tangible difference.
Addressing Barriers: Pay and Recruitment
There are still challenges around pay, with senior roles often offering lower salaries compared to HE that make it difficult to attract permanent candidates.
However, colleges are willing to invest in interim leaders, engaging them on a day-rate basis. This can be financially more beneficial to the interim candidate while reducing add-on costs such as pension contributions to the FE college, allowing them to bridge gaps in expertise. This approach not only attracts high-calibre professionals but also highlights the flexibility and openness of FE institutions to alternative workforce models.
Political and Sectoral Shifts
The political landscape is also influencing perceptions of FE. This Labour government has signalled intent to address the UK’s skills shortage. This drive could bring renewed focus and investment to the sector. Initiatives such as Skills England underscore a commitment to tackling challenges, further enhancing FE’s reputation as a vital component of the education ecosystem. Whether Skills England proves a success or not, only time will tell – but the intent is there.
For those seeking purpose-driven careers, FE provides the chance to lead institutions that are not only high-performing but also deeply rooted in their communities. FE is becoming a more attractive place for leaders ready to make a difference.
Read more about the benefits of FE here.
Paul Horgan has been recruiting senior leaders in education since 2005. His experience extends across all areas of education, most notably in the schools and academies arenas but also in higher and further education. With nearly 30 years’ experience recruiting in the education space as well as being a qualified secondary teacher, Paul has an in-depth knowledge of the sector, providing a professional, bespoke and honest service to both candidates and clients.
Paul Aristides specialises in executive search and selection for executive and non-executive level FE appointments and senior roles across schools and government bodies associated with FE and Skills. Actively supporting Principals in the FE sector and with wide reaching networks across education and government, he brings breadth as well as depth of understanding of the Skills system and the leadership challenges within it.
If you’re working in either sector and would like to discuss any of the above further, please email Paul Aristides at paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com or connect with him on LinkedIn or email Paul Horgan at paul.horgan@andersonquigley.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
