NASUWT COMMENTS ON SIXTH FORM COLLEGES FUNDING REPORT

Commenting on the report by the Sixth Form Colleges Association warning of the impact funding cuts to the sector are having on students, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, said:

“This report highlights what the NASUWT has been warning for some time, that much of the sixth form sector is in a parlous financial state because of Government funding cuts and that students are losing out as a result.

“These cuts, combined with increasing costs and on-going funding inequalities are reducing the learning opportunities for young people and are leading to the loss of life-changing opportunities for students.

"The failure to protect and enhance post 16 funding is economically short sighted. High quality post 16 provision is critical to ensuring young people have the skills to meet changing and global economic needs.

“Without action by the Government many sixth form colleges will simply cease to be financially viable and will fold. If this happens thousands of young people will lose the ability to gain the skills and qualifications they need to move into higher education and employment.”