Ian Pryce CBE
@ipryce.bsky.social
Strategic adviser; NED & Chair; Mentor; Educator; Writer; Syndic of Cambridge University; Guitarist. The artist formerly known as CEO The Bedford College Group
It is a shame the TIMSS survey results get less attention than PISA given they are at least as robust. Good to see England the top non-Asian country at grade 8 for both Maths & Science (5th/6th in world). Says much about the quality of our teachers
March 18, 2025 at 7:32 AM
It is a shame the TIMSS survey results get less attention than PISA given they are at least as robust. Good to see England the top non-Asian country at grade 8 for both Maths & Science (5th/6th in world). Says much about the quality of our teachers
I was really proud that the Bedford College Group was a trailblazer for sustainability even 15 years ago. First college to win Green Gown, first to offer training in Photovoltaics/solar water installation, first U.K. BREAMM excellent retrofit. Good film short
March 18, 2025 at 7:30 AM
I was really proud that the Bedford College Group was a trailblazer for sustainability even 15 years ago. First college to win Green Gown, first to offer training in Photovoltaics/solar water installation, first U.K. BREAMM excellent retrofit. Good film short
Pleased to see hot-off-press audited accounts for 23-24, covering my last six months The Bedford College Group show record income at £87m, compared to £10m when I started & college remained outstanding throughout the 26 years, despite five acquisitions of financially poor institutions
January 31, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Pleased to see hot-off-press audited accounts for 23-24, covering my last six months The Bedford College Group show record income at £87m, compared to £10m when I started & college remained outstanding throughout the 26 years, despite five acquisitions of financially poor institutions
And would the public (or even most FE folk) realise that England's biggest sixth forms include Chichester, Bedford & Exeter? Does Ofsted consider scale v population when judging our economic contribution?
January 25, 2025 at 8:45 PM
And would the public (or even most FE folk) realise that England's biggest sixth forms include Chichester, Bedford & Exeter? Does Ofsted consider scale v population when judging our economic contribution?
And so a chapter in Bedford College history ends. The involvement in school education covered Bridges (900 14-16s from 18 schools), sponsoring first local academy (Bedford Academy), project managing The Bedford Free School and creating Wixams schools. Total £80m inward investment!
January 25, 2025 at 8:40 PM
And so a chapter in Bedford College history ends. The involvement in school education covered Bridges (900 14-16s from 18 schools), sponsoring first local academy (Bedford Academy), project managing The Bedford Free School and creating Wixams schools. Total £80m inward investment!
In 70s wrote a song Rock Dreams with future brother-in-law, & was touched that my son’s band added it to their set list in 2000s. Now his dream has come true, landing job teaching future rock stars on multi-instruments. That formative insistence he become the next Mike Oldfield finally paying off!
December 21, 2024 at 10:56 AM
In 70s wrote a song Rock Dreams with future brother-in-law, & was touched that my son’s band added it to their set list in 2000s. Now his dream has come true, landing job teaching future rock stars on multi-instruments. That formative insistence he become the next Mike Oldfield finally paying off!
Have always thought that schools insisting branded uniform is wholly & exclusively required, should meet that cost & provide it, as they would for any branded staff uniform for receptionists or security staff etc
December 18, 2024 at 9:18 PM
Have always thought that schools insisting branded uniform is wholly & exclusively required, should meet that cost & provide it, as they would for any branded staff uniform for receptionists or security staff etc
I found it a very shallow evaluation Stephen. You are right on targeting. 40% dropout rate on “short, flexible” courses is dire. And no surprise that if you want to get a level 3 outcome it helps if you are already over-qualified, and have good fortune in terms of health and location!
December 18, 2024 at 11:31 AM
I found it a very shallow evaluation Stephen. You are right on targeting. 40% dropout rate on “short, flexible” courses is dire. And no surprise that if you want to get a level 3 outcome it helps if you are already over-qualified, and have good fortune in terms of health and location!
And finally, plays can be read as well as seen. A magnificent dozen of favourites this year. Alternative recommendations welcome in return
December 14, 2024 at 5:50 PM
And finally, plays can be read as well as seen. A magnificent dozen of favourites this year. Alternative recommendations welcome in return
And, as an avid reader of crime fiction, the variation in style across these writers will explain why!
December 14, 2024 at 5:50 PM
And, as an avid reader of crime fiction, the variation in style across these writers will explain why!
These my top dozen general fiction, all exceptional reads
December 14, 2024 at 5:50 PM
These my top dozen general fiction, all exceptional reads
So many fantastic books this year. These my pick of the non-fiction if you’re looking for something well-written & thought-provoking
December 14, 2024 at 5:50 PM
So many fantastic books this year. These my pick of the non-fiction if you’re looking for something well-written & thought-provoking
Once a year the Chartered Institution for Further Education dress up to celebrate top people in the FE sector (it’s like Wolf Hall without the infighting!). Brilliant to see Bedford College Group’s Carl, Kevin & Dave recognised & four superb new fellows Andy, Keith, Graham & Rebecca
December 12, 2024 at 8:57 PM
Once a year the Chartered Institution for Further Education dress up to celebrate top people in the FE sector (it’s like Wolf Hall without the infighting!). Brilliant to see Bedford College Group’s Carl, Kevin & Dave recognised & four superb new fellows Andy, Keith, Graham & Rebecca
I’ve tried to champion reading of plays, given people complain they have no time to read. They cost a bit more than fiction, but by definition they can be read in one evening and are dramatic. These my favourites this year. Quirky Christmas presents?
December 6, 2024 at 12:19 PM
I’ve tried to champion reading of plays, given people complain they have no time to read. They cost a bit more than fiction, but by definition they can be read in one evening and are dramatic. These my favourites this year. Quirky Christmas presents?
One of the spin-off benefits of mentoring is you don’t just meet fantastic people, you get time in beautiful places. Envious of Bournemouth & Poole college staff working so close to the sea
December 4, 2024 at 10:43 PM
One of the spin-off benefits of mentoring is you don’t just meet fantastic people, you get time in beautiful places. Envious of Bournemouth & Poole college staff working so close to the sea
Nothing restores your faith in humanity more than a group of bright, excited year 6s showing you round their new school buildings. £11m well spent by DfE. Learning a lot from being part of Knowledge Schools Trust
November 29, 2024 at 8:34 AM
Nothing restores your faith in humanity more than a group of bright, excited year 6s showing you round their new school buildings. £11m well spent by DfE. Learning a lot from being part of Knowledge Schools Trust
Genuine Q as I’m neutral on sticks v carrots. Given unemployment benefits in U.K. are at very lowest level in world rankings, is there good evidence this stick will work?
November 25, 2024 at 7:40 PM
Genuine Q as I’m neutral on sticks v carrots. Given unemployment benefits in U.K. are at very lowest level in world rankings, is there good evidence this stick will work?
As Chair of the Regulatory Committee of one of world’s largest examining organisations & someone who thinks exams aren’t perfect but still have proven the most inclusive & fairest approach, I found this genuinely thought-provoking & mind changing. You will too! Thanks Sammy
November 25, 2024 at 10:57 AM
As Chair of the Regulatory Committee of one of world’s largest examining organisations & someone who thinks exams aren’t perfect but still have proven the most inclusive & fairest approach, I found this genuinely thought-provoking & mind changing. You will too! Thanks Sammy
Always had problem understanding money & how it really works. Still no expert, but David @davidmcwecon.bsky.social’s superb book has certainly helped. Especially loved the character portrait of Gutenberg, meaning of Wizard of Oz & crypto not being money & a solution without a problem. Thank you
November 23, 2024 at 8:55 PM
Always had problem understanding money & how it really works. Still no expert, but David @davidmcwecon.bsky.social’s superb book has certainly helped. Especially loved the character portrait of Gutenberg, meaning of Wizard of Oz & crypto not being money & a solution without a problem. Thank you
Was inspiring to be grilled by a full house Eastern region college student governors on leadership & governance
Unloc this week. A superb programme & an investment that will reap big dividends for college communities. Lovely venue too Hills Road Sixth Form College
Unloc this week. A superb programme & an investment that will reap big dividends for college communities. Lovely venue too Hills Road Sixth Form College
November 23, 2024 at 8:36 PM
Was inspiring to be grilled by a full house Eastern region college student governors on leadership & governance
Unloc this week. A superb programme & an investment that will reap big dividends for college communities. Lovely venue too Hills Road Sixth Form College
Unloc this week. A superb programme & an investment that will reap big dividends for college communities. Lovely venue too Hills Road Sixth Form College
As far back as 2000, inspectors recognised Bedford College’s commitment to the environment & was first FE college ever to win a Green Gown, so lovely to see last week’s Green Gown award, showing how long-term is the group’s commitment
November 18, 2024 at 5:31 PM
As far back as 2000, inspectors recognised Bedford College’s commitment to the environment & was first FE college ever to win a Green Gown, so lovely to see last week’s Green Gown award, showing how long-term is the group’s commitment
18/11/2017 - After 18 glorious years organiser Steve Rothero judged way for Joules Acoustic Nights to end perfectly. Audience rendition of Donovan's Sunshine Superman. Mass guitars, mass kazoos, even tennis racquets! Leave them smiling. Great memories
November 18, 2024 at 5:24 PM
18/11/2017 - After 18 glorious years organiser Steve Rothero judged way for Joules Acoustic Nights to end perfectly. Audience rendition of Donovan's Sunshine Superman. Mass guitars, mass kazoos, even tennis racquets! Leave them smiling. Great memories
I loved being CEO of The Bedford CollegeGroup in part because of the brilliance of our staff. Leah has gone on to achieve so much & looking forward to her new book out today
November 15, 2024 at 9:09 PM
I loved being CEO of The Bedford CollegeGroup in part because of the brilliance of our staff. Leah has gone on to achieve so much & looking forward to her new book out today