As 2026 progresses, the focus in Further Education is continuing to shift towards how innovation can be applied responsibly and effectively. From AI in assessment to improving learner support and accessibility, providers are balancing efficiency, quality, and compliance while keeping learner outcomes at the centre.
This month, we explore Liam Sammon’s latest AI Reflections blog on whether AI in education should be embraced or restrained, alongside the introduction of EQUAL Assess- our AI-powered tool designed to enhance feedback, improve consistency, and save assessor time. We also expand our 16–19 Independent Living course offer, share updates to the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, and highlight the latest developments within the EQUAL platform.
At The Skills Network, we remain focused on delivering practical, high-quality solutions that support providers, strengthen delivery, and equip learners with the skills they need to succeed.
As part of his ‘AI Reflections’ blog series, our Executive Director – Education Services and Innovation, Liam Sammon, reflects on one of the biggest questions facing education today – whether AI should be embraced or restrained. Drawing on his experience across post-16 education and his leadership of assessor services at The Skills Network, Liam shares a thoughtful perspective on the realities of AI in assessment, the challenges around authenticity, and how the sector can move forward responsibly.
Over 15 years ago, when electronic white boards were the big technology thing I remember visiting a college and they proudly showed me all their classrooms with new white boards. However, none of them were on.
AI is definitely on; it’s the most transformative piece of technology that I’ve experienced in my 25 plus years in post-16 education. There is very little in education AI can’t assist with; teaching/coaching, teaching & learning resources, assessment, learner/learning management systems, learner support, admissions & enrolments…the list goes on.
However, this blog can’t go on and on, so I’m going to focus on just one topic: AI in online assessment.
And important to me personally, as I’m responsible for assessor services (circa 200 assessors) and EQUAL Assess; our AI powered assessment tool.
Assessment in further education is facing increasing pressure, with providers expected to deliver high-quality, compliant outcomes at greater speed and scale than ever before. In this latest blog, discover how The Skills Network has developed EQUAL Assess – an AI-powered assessment support tool designed to help Assessors produce consistent, personalised unit-level feedback while keeping professional judgement firmly at the centre of the process. Built within the EQUAL platform, the tool has been developed around real assessor practice, with compliance, quality, and efficiency embedded from the ground up.
The article explores how EQUAL Assess supports providers in tackling some of the sector’s biggest challenges, from assessor workload and standardisation to quality assurance and Awarding Organisation expectations. With over 80,000 learner submissions already supported and evidence of assessment time being reduced by up to 50%, the blog highlights how AI can responsibly enhance assessment practice without replacing the Assessor.
Read the full article to learn how EQUAL Assess is helping providers give more time back to what matters most – supporting learners and delivering meaningful intervention.
We’re excited to introduce three more new 16-19 courses in our Independent Living suite, designed to equip learners with essential, real-life skills for greater independence.
Available to deliver via our EQUAL platform, covering time management, paying bills, and personal hygiene, each course focuses on building confidence, improving decision-making, and supporting everyday success:
With clear, accessible content, learners can quickly apply what they learn to their own lives. These courses are ideal for developing practical knowledge that supports both personal wellbeing and employability. The table below outlines each course in detail, including course IDs and learning outcomes, to help support effective planning and delivery across programmes.
Contact us for our latest curriculum solutions builder or to find out more
The Digital Learning team is delighted to announce the completion of the AT1 update for the TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism (603/3203/7).
This refreshed qualification has been developed using our new approach, offering improved accessibility through adaptive content that works seamlessly across mobile, tablet, and laptop devices. Supporting documents, including the Qualification Specification, key information, and marking guide, are now available.
A key update has been introduced to improve Articulate Rise course tracking.
Previously, because learning and assessment elements are separated, some learners could complete all assessments without receiving a completion date – often due to minor, un-viewed content sections.
To resolve this, a new “autocompletion” feature has been deployed. This allows designated courses to be marked as complete upon enrolment, ensuring learners who meet assessment requirements are no longer held back by incomplete learning interactions.
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To find out more about any of the updates in this newsletter, please get in touch with your Account Manager if you have one, or click the button below to submit an enquiry.
