Briefing on Sixth Form Provision
Rep 680 Agenda item 7 Schools Forum – 10 th November 2016 School Sixth Forms - The 14-19 landscape and the diversification of School / College provision 1. Purpose To inform Schools Forum of the challenges faced by School Sixth Forms following changes in Government policy and funding, including the growth of University Technical Colleges (UTCs), Studio Schools, Free Schools and Technical Academies. 2. Policy background The school system has changed significantly over the last five years, with changes to Government funding of Post-16 education in particular being a considerable challenge. Not all the change is recent; Academies, UTCs and Studio Schools for instance were all around in various stages of development prior to 2010. The current school sector, however, is designed to give parents greater choice and schools greater freedom. Currently there exists: • Over 2,000 Academies now open in England • 291 Free Schools now open and 141 in the pipeline – DfE target 500 by 2020 • 34 Studio Schools now open with one in the pipeline • 45 UTCs open. In addition, since September 2013, GFE has been able to offer full time provision to 14-16yrs olds which adds more competition into the education system. 3. Definitions for these new types of organisations • Academies – Primary and Secondary Schools who are no longer part of the Local Authority are directly funded by the EFA and have additional responsibilities. • University Technical Colleges – Offering provision to students aged 14-19yrs, specialising in technical / vocational studies. Provision is full time, combining practical and academic studies which are delivered in work related context. A UTC has a maximum of 600 students.
[Show full text]