In Plain English
AI-generatedThe Technical and Further Education Act 2017 is a piece of education law that set out reforms for the technical and further education sector. It passed through Parliament with amendments debated in both Houses and has now received Royal Assent, becoming law.
Key Points
- - Reforms the governance and funding framework for technical and further education (FE) in England.
- - Three key parliamentary divisions occurred in 2017: a Lords amendment was disagreed by the Commons, and two report-stage amendments were defeated in the Commons.
- - The Liberal Democrats voted in favour on the divisions (all recorded votes from that party), while Conservative and other MPs showed mixed positions and many votes against amendments.
- - The bill ultimately became law after Royal Assent.
- - The Act primarily affects learners and staff in FE and technical education, FE providers and employers involved in FE and apprenticeships.
Progress
The bill has received Royal Assent and is now law, marking the end of the parliamentary passage for this measure.
Voting
Three divisions were held in the Commons on the key motions in 2017. The Lords Amendment 1 motion to disagree passed (298-182), while the two report-stage amendments were defeated (183-278 and 186-274). Across parties, Liberal Democrats voted in favour; Conservatives largely opposed; Labour MPs were mixed in their votes.
Who is affected?
Learners and students in further education and technical educationTeachers, lecturers and other staff in FE colleges and training providersFE colleges, sixth-form colleges and other FE providersEmployers and industry partners involved with FE and apprenticeshipsLocal authorities and government bodies involved in FE funding and policy
Generated 21 February 2026