16-19 funding not sufficient for increasing participation age to 18

Although the ministerial statement on 16-19 funding statement released yesterday takes some mitigating actions, ASCL has considerable concerns about the continued reductions in 16-19 funding over the next few years, especially as all young people will need to be in education or training to age 18 by 2015.

ASCL General Secretary Brian Lightman said:

We welcome the positive tone of the funding statement but remain very worried about the declining level of 16-19 funding in real terms. This will significantly impact on the ability of schools and colleges to respond to the government plan to raise the participation age to 18 by 2015. It will be extremely difficult for providers to deliver the full range of options that will enable all young people to stay in education or training up to 18.

Given the level of reduction that some institutions face, the extension of the transitional protection period is a very sensible move. This will give elements of stability and predictability for all providers.

We are pleased to see the emphasis placed on improving impartial advice and guidance and reducing bureaucratic burdens. It is also good to see that there will be some flexibility to enable providers and local authorities to deal with exceptional circumstances. To aid schools and colleges with their planning for next year, it will be important that the actual funding levels for institutions are made available as quickly as possible.

The DfE has also released information about the 16-19 capital programme. Brian Lightman said:

Colleges and schools with sixth forms will welcome the early indication of 16-19 capital funding for next year. Sixth form colleges will be pleased to see the continuation of the devolved formula capital allocation to assist with routine maintenance of their buildings. It will be important that the detail of the distribution of the £44m for demographic growth is decided soon so that buildings are in place when the students arrive in September 2012.

Yesterday’s ministerial statement on education funding can be found at http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00200828/written-ministerial-statement-on-education-funding 

14 December 2011