What reforms are needed in the post-16 education sector? MPs to investigate
Are young people being offered the right opportunities and support to excel in their futures, whether they opt for academic or technical and vocational routes? The Education Committee will examine what reforms are needed to improve post-16 education as it holds the first session of its inquiry into further education and skills on Tuesday, 25 March.
Meeting details
In the UK, it is compulsory for young people to remain in education or training until they turn 18. However, the post-16 education landscape is facing a series of growing pressures which threaten to diminish the quality of opportunities for young people and their future prospects.
In this wide-ranging session, the Committee will question experts on how accessibility of post-16 education for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could be improved, and explore what further support is needed for disadvantaged students to reduce the attainment gap. They may also scrutinise how successful T Levels have been and if measures are needed to strengthen them.
MPs will then hear from a second panel of witnesses, including representatives of the University and College Union, the Association of Colleges and the Sixth Form Colleges Association, with questions likely to focus on funding for the sector. MPs may probe witnesses on challenges with staff pay and retention and the impact of reduced funding on the further education sector.