Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
6
Conclusion
6th Report - Further Education and Skil…
Accepted in Part
Skills England has been broadly welcomed by the further education and skills sectors. We agree with the Government’s priorities for Skills England, including identifying national and local skills needs, simplifying access to training, and collaborating with employers and training providers to develop mutually beneficial solutions. However, Skills England must address …
Government response. The government accepts the need to strengthen data collection, detailing ongoing work like mapping training pathways, developing a new skills classification, and exploring leveraging private data. Regarding the levy, it outlines existing support for SMEs and commits to ensuring the …
Department for Education
7
Conclusion
6th Report - Further Education and Skil…
Accepted in Part
To meet its priorities, Skills England must within a year of becoming fully operational—by June 2026—enhance data collection and sharing through a centralised platform that tracks skills gaps and training outcomes. Within two years—by June 2027—Skills England should deliver reform of the complex levy system to ensure SMEs can access …
Government response. The government accepts the need to enhance data, detailing ongoing work like mapping training pathways and developing a new skills taxonomy. For the levy system, it describes the ongoing transformation of the apprenticeships offer and commits to ensuring it supports …
Department for Education
21
Recommendation
6th Report - Further Education and Skil…
Accepted in Part
T Levels are a relatively new programme of study, and they should be given adequate time to develop and gain traction. However, if T Levels are to become the “gold-standard technical qualification” the Government must urgently address a number of challenges. T Level programmes have low retention rates compared to …
Government response. The government states its commitment to expanding T Level uptake, improving retention, and raising awareness through campaigns and ambassadors, citing positive outcomes and pass rates for T Levels.
Department for Education
22
Recommendation
6th Report - Further Education and Skil…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Department for Education launches a national awareness campaign for T Levels, targeting students, parents and employers. The purpose and benefits of T Levels should be set out clearly from secondary school stage onwards. Parity of esteem between A Levels and T Levels should run through all …
Government response. The government commits to expanding T Level uptake, improving retention, and raising awareness through campaigns and ambassadors, while highlighting strong outcomes and student satisfaction with workplace preparation.
Department for Education
55
Recommendation
6th Report - Further Education and Skil…
Accepted in Part
It is crucial that the Government increases per-student funding across all post-16 funding streams, based on a detailed assessment of need. We welcome the Chancellor’s pledge of £1.2 billion a year for the further education sector, which will see the overall budget rise by £400 million (in today’s prices) between …
Government response. The government commits £8.5 billion for 16-19 programme funding in 2025/26, including an additional £400 million this year and nearly £800 million extra planned for 2026/27. It does not explicitly state that funding will be adjusted annually for inflation or …
Department for Education