ATL on threat to sixth form colleges

“The findings of the Sixth Form Colleges Association’s survey are very worrying.  The Government’s funding cuts to education for young people over age 16 are severely damaging opportunities for them to access high quality education.  Forcing sixth form colleges to withdraw courses in modern languages and STEM subjects is illogical at a time when employers are desperate for entrants with these skills and knowledge.  How can the Government seriously expect economic growth over the next five years without funding post-16 education in these vital areas?

“Unfortunately the future for sixth form colleges looks bleak.  We are worried that few will survive the Government imposed ‘Review of post-16 Education and Training Institutions’ to take place between now and 2017.  The Government’s desire for “fewer, often larger” post-16 providers, set out in the review document, is likely to lead to even more restrictions on young people’s ability to improve their life chances through education.”