Julian Gravatt
@juliangravatt.bsky.social
Work: Deputy chief exec, Association of Colleges. Interests: education systems, public money, local politics and why people do the things they do
OBR talk about the wider issue in recent fiscal risk report but have forgotten about those not covered. Like a stealth tax. Private schools allowed to exit TPS for new staff with no penalty. Post 92 unis trapped. State schools and colleges have higher employment oncosts but higher funding
August 17, 2025 at 9:51 PM
OBR talk about the wider issue in recent fiscal risk report but have forgotten about those not covered. Like a stealth tax. Private schools allowed to exit TPS for new staff with no penalty. Post 92 unis trapped. State schools and colleges have higher employment oncosts but higher funding
Accounting officer of a college has responsibilities set out in funding agremeent (see 2024-5 version) and was in this case (as is normal) a governor
April 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Accounting officer of a college has responsibilities set out in funding agremeent (see 2024-5 version) and was in this case (as is normal) a governor
1/4. Aim of English devolution white paper is universal coverage of strategic authorities. The carrot is enhanced powers for mayoral authorities, 6 of which will get integrated settlements. The stick is legislation that will allow Ministers to create authorities where leaders can’t agree
December 16, 2024 at 8:37 PM
1/4. Aim of English devolution white paper is universal coverage of strategic authorities. The carrot is enhanced powers for mayoral authorities, 6 of which will get integrated settlements. The stick is legislation that will allow Ministers to create authorities where leaders can’t agree
Skills minister, Jacqui Smith, at #AoC2024 conference.
Announced a crown guarantee for college LGPS debts which should remove the risk premium many funds charge and thus reduce costs via 2025 valuations from April 2026 onwards
Announced a crown guarantee for college LGPS debts which should remove the risk premium many funds charge and thus reduce costs via 2025 valuations from April 2026 onwards
November 12, 2024 at 10:07 AM
Skills minister, Jacqui Smith, at #AoC2024 conference.
Announced a crown guarantee for college LGPS debts which should remove the risk premium many funds charge and thus reduce costs via 2025 valuations from April 2026 onwards
Announced a crown guarantee for college LGPS debts which should remove the risk premium many funds charge and thus reduce costs via 2025 valuations from April 2026 onwards
Recent trends in UK working-age welfare spending, including this interesting graph.
As a comparison, total education spending has been in same 4 to 6% of GDP range in recent decades. Currently sliding towards 4% as school population shrinks
As a comparison, total education spending has been in same 4 to 6% of GDP range in recent decades. Currently sliding towards 4% as school population shrinks
September 5, 2024 at 9:13 PM
Recent trends in UK working-age welfare spending, including this interesting graph.
As a comparison, total education spending has been in same 4 to 6% of GDP range in recent decades. Currently sliding towards 4% as school population shrinks
As a comparison, total education spending has been in same 4 to 6% of GDP range in recent decades. Currently sliding towards 4% as school population shrinks
What Darren Acemboglu said on skills
September 4, 2024 at 3:58 PM
What Darren Acemboglu said on skills
Today's Ofsted announcements mainly about schools but, as Christine Gilbert's interesting review for the inspectorate says, only 41% of spending is on schools.
This table, from 2023-4 Ofsfed accounts, shows 12% on FE/skills, 21% early years and 26% on children's social care (a £13 bil sector)
This table, from 2023-4 Ofsfed accounts, shows 12% on FE/skills, 21% early years and 26% on children's social care (a £13 bil sector)
September 3, 2024 at 12:11 PM
Today's Ofsted announcements mainly about schools but, as Christine Gilbert's interesting review for the inspectorate says, only 41% of spending is on schools.
This table, from 2023-4 Ofsfed accounts, shows 12% on FE/skills, 21% early years and 26% on children's social care (a £13 bil sector)
This table, from 2023-4 Ofsfed accounts, shows 12% on FE/skills, 21% early years and 26% on children's social care (a £13 bil sector)
In the Natcen research published by Ofsted today, 45% of parents/carers supported single word judgement but 49% opposed.
Preferred alternative was single sub-grades.
Preferred alternative was single sub-grades.
September 3, 2024 at 11:07 AM
In the Natcen research published by Ofsted today, 45% of parents/carers supported single word judgement but 49% opposed.
Preferred alternative was single sub-grades.
Preferred alternative was single sub-grades.
OfS risk register (also in 2023-4 accounts) has more on uni finance risks but disguised within their oversight of 255 registered HE providers. See chart. Given recent UCAS data, I'd suspect.more are slipping down the funnel but those at the bottom may be IHEs not unis.
PS. FE colleges not included
PS. FE colleges not included
August 30, 2024 at 10:20 AM
OfS risk register (also in 2023-4 accounts) has more on uni finance risks but disguised within their oversight of 255 registered HE providers. See chart. Given recent UCAS data, I'd suspect.more are slipping down the funnel but those at the bottom may be IHEs not unis.
PS. FE colleges not included
PS. FE colleges not included
In recent months, I've read a lot about university insolvency. Have contributed to a very good Public First paper on the topic. But I was struck by DfE's risk register reported in its 2023-4 accounts. Their audit and risk committee is more worried about council finances and care home insolvencies.
August 30, 2024 at 10:06 AM
In recent months, I've read a lot about university insolvency. Have contributed to a very good Public First paper on the topic. But I was struck by DfE's risk register reported in its 2023-4 accounts. Their audit and risk committee is more worried about council finances and care home insolvencies.