Edition 218 - Friday April 8th 2016

It may just be me, but this part of the year always feels like it's a great time for planning and preparation.  Just as the peas and tomatoes have "gone in" with the expectation of a great harvest later in the year, taking a chance to look at what the best alternative solutions are for maths and English will also reap rewards later. 

Too many people "leave it late", and end up stuck with the same old system for another year - as well as paying more, in some cases a lot more than they need to!   It’s called fear, uncertainty and doubt – FUD - and many companies rely on people’s reticence to change.

Don't let that be you this year - we have news of a great way to upgrade from BKSB to ForSkills AND transfer unused subscription or credits.  Plus the report of the results of the 2016 English and maths survey is published detailing which providers were voted best in the sector.

There’s  lots of news about social mobility from a House of Lords committee.  We have links to the BBC, FE Week and Radio 4 news item - it's definitely worth a read/listen.

And finally, a quick "shout out" for the[ ForSkills YouTube Channel - click to subscribe](https://www.youtube.com/user/forskills).  It now has more than 100 free to access videos, covering curriculum skills, technical support, help guides and good practice which collectively have been watched more than 50,000 times.  

As always, feel free to contact Jonathan Wells, the editor of this newsletter on 0191 3055045 or [jonathan@forskills.co.uk](mailto:jonathan@forskills.co.uk)