Claire Green, Post-16 and Skills Specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, comments on the government’s announcement that only three-quarters of expected in-year growth funding for 16 to 19 education will be provided this academic year.
“This decision is deeply concerning and short sighted, particularly as it comes on the back of a paltry 0.5 per cent increase in the national funding rate and another freeze in free school meal funding. It also sits uneasily with the government’s repeated claim that it is prioritising the further education sector, as set out in the recently published skills white paper.
“Colleges and school sixth forms are being asked to absorb the full cost of rising student numbers while receiving only partial funding, against a backdrop of rising pay, energy and food costs. The cumulative effect is that leaders are having to stretch already inadequate budgets ever further just to stand still.
“Demographic realities are pushing more young people into post 16 education, yet the government continues to ration funding as if growth were optional. This puts pressure on staffing, class sizes and student support, and undermines efforts to improve outcomes and close disadvantage gaps.
“If ministers are serious about skills, inclusion and economic growth, they must match their rhetoric with action by fully funding all places, delivering a meaningful increase in the funding rate, and addressing the erosion of student support such as free school meals. Anything less risks letting down both providers and the young people who rely on them.”