The government has previously come under criticism from opposition parties over its handling of the further education sector and college regionalisation.

BBC: students doing exams

On 1 March 2012, during business questions, shadow leader of the house Angela Eagle said there had been public criticism of the inquiry into press standards from Education Secretary Michael Gove and London Mayor Boris Johnson.

BBC: Conservatives attempt to undermine Leveson say Labour

He was such an honest journalist and when I was an education minister, I always took any policy criticism from him seriously because I knew it would be based on sound knowledge and good judgement.

BBC: Mike Baker, 2001

On education it is more of a mixed bag: he faces criticism both from conservatives and liberals.

CNN: John King: Bush vacation agenda

Last month, the incoming head of Universities UK, Roderick Floud, speaking on behalf of university chiefs, added his voice to the criticism of the present system, saying that it was too complex and could deter applicants to higher education.

BBC: Blair hints at change in student fees

Higher education has taken notice, and Thiel's experiment hasn't gone without criticism.

CNN: Are colleges afraid of Peter Thiel?

England's education watchdog Ofsted and its chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw will be the focus of particular criticism.

BBC: Teachers vow to press on with strike plan

England's education watchdog Ofsted and its chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw will be the focus of much criticism.

BBC: Teachers' unions gather in angry mood