03 April 2009

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has been asked to comment on stories concerning sixth form and college funding allocations for 2009/10 academic year.

Schools Minister Jim Knight said:

"As we set out this week we are already planning record investment of over £6.7billion in education for 16 to 18-year-olds from September this year. That means there is funding for over 1.5 million young people to study, the most 16 to 18-year-olds that have ever been in education in this country.

"Colleges and schools have done an outstanding job of recruiting and encouraging young people to stay in education or training until they are 18 and are to be congratulated for this. We are now seeing an even greater surge in demand for places than we have budgeted for. More young people are staying on because they are getting better GCSE results, more good courses are available for them, and they are choosing to stay in education and training rather than enter a difficult jobs market. This is clearly related to the current extraordinary economic circumstances - more young people staying on will help build their skills and support the recovery.

"Schools with sixth forms received two letters last month from the Learning and Skills Council on 16-18 funding allocations for 2009/10.

"The initial letter on March 2nd updated schools in line with their expected learner numbers for September 2009. Unfortunately, as the LSC has now said in its statement this afternoon, that letter incorrectly said that these were final allocations, and it has apologised for any confusion and concern this has subsequently caused. We are required by law to issue allocations to sixth forms by the end of March, and the second letter set out their allocations in line with our current available resources.

"As part of our wider discussions in the National Economic Council on what more we can do to support the economy, we are still working across government on the extra financial support we need to provide for the new learners that are coming forward. That is why the LSC's second letter at the end of March said we continue to consider options for further funding, including meeting emerging pressures from the impact of the recession and recruitment during the year.

"The LSC will write again to schools and colleges at the end of this month."

Editor's Notes

Contact Details

Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk

Press Notice 2009/0068