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6th Report - Further Education and Skills

Education Committee HC 666 Published 23 September 2025
Report Status
Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations
68 items (36 recs)
Government Response
AI assessment · 68 of 68 classified
Accepted 21
Accepted in Part 5
Acknowledged 6
Deferred 4
Not Addressed 20
Rejected 12
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Recommendations

36 results
3 Accepted

Commit to an independent review of Skills England by June 2027 to ensure full independence.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education commits to an independent review of Skills England within two years of it becoming fully operational—by June 2027—with a commitment to legislate further to ensure full independence if necessary. (Recommendation, Paragraph 19) Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that plans are already in place for a review of Skills England within 18-24 months of its establishment as an Executive Agency, which will consider its delivery mode and effectiveness, aligning with good practice for new arm's length bodies.
Department for Education
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5 Deferred

Review and regrade Skills England Chief Executive Officer status by June 2026 for greater seniority.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education reviews the status of Skills England’s Chief Executive Officers in June 2026—twelve months after Skills England became fully operational—to ensure they have been given the right level of seniority and that they have … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government defers the specific review of CEO seniority, stating it will be considered as part of a broader, already planned review of Skills England within 18-24 months of its establishment.
Department for Education
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9 Rejected

Broaden devolution by default to include 16-19 education and training in the Devolution Bill.

Recommendation
The Government should broaden its commitment to “devolution by default” by devolving appropriate 16–19 education and training, skills programmes and funding streams to each Strategic Authority. We recommend that the 91 Government amends the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to devolve 16-19 education and training, stating it is important to maintain a consistent national offer to promote social mobility, but commits to working with Mayoral Strategic Authorities on aligning priorities.
Department for Education
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10 Deferred

Utilise trailblazer model to pilot comprehensive skills devolution programme and report findings.

Recommendation
The Government should consider utilising the trailblazer model to pilot a more comprehensive skills devolution programme and report back to the Committee. (Recommendation, Paragraph 43)
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is under review and reiterates its ambition for devolved powers, noting its commitment to continue piloting arrangements with Established Mayoral Authorities to inform further devolution frameworks, citing the devolution of Construction Skills Package funding as an example.
Department for Education
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11 Accepted

Address challenges navigating LSIPs and ensure balanced local partnerships.

Recommendation
Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) have been effective in aligning employer needs with education and training provision, and in utilising and developing local partnerships. LSIPs are a relatively new initiative and will need time to become fully established. However, those … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that plans are already in place, explaining how LSIPs, overseen by Skills England, aim to reduce duplication and ensure coherent decision-making. It highlights that statutory guidance mandates key stakeholder involvement in LSIP governance and that FE providers' accountability statements require active collaboration to align provision with skills priorities.
Department for Education
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12 Accepted

Conduct policy audit to streamline LSIPs and rationalise local skills partnerships with clear criteria.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education conducts a policy audit to identify overlaps between LSIPs and other skills initiatives in order to streamline LSIPs and make them more coherent and easier to navigate. We also recommend that the Department … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that LSIPs have a distinct statutory purpose and that Skills England ensures local intelligence informs strategies to reduce duplication. It also highlights existing statutory guidance for stakeholder involvement and the role of accountability statements in fostering coherence, implying current mechanisms address the recommendation.
Department for Education
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14 Rejected

Expand Youth Guarantee eligibility to include all young people aged 16-24.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Government expands eligibility for the Youth Guarantee to include all 16–24-year-olds so that all young people are given the same opportunities to re-enter education or access employment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 57)
Government Response Summary
The government outlines the existing Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and highlights various current support mechanisms for 16-24 year olds, thereby not committing to expanding the Youth Guarantee itself to include all 16-24 year olds.
Department for Education
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16 Accepted

Create Skills Co-ordination Board by April 2026 to oversee regional adult education strategies.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education and Skills England create a Skills Co-ordination Board by April 2026. Local areas must be given the flexibility to develop and implement their own tailor-made strategies on adult education and training; the purpose … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government highlights Skills England's existing role as a key driver for a high-functioning skills system, supporting integration and informing skills needs, and states that devolution and Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are the mechanisms for coordinating regional strategies with national sector needs. It does not commit to creating a new Skills Co-ordination Board.
Department for Education
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18 Not Addressed

Publish annual report on Baker Clause compliance, assessing non-compliance and intervention actions.

Recommendation
We recommend that Department for Education publishes an annual report on the number and proportion of schools that are complying with the Baker Clause and provider access legislation, and assesses the reasons for non-compliance. The proposed work to be carried … Read more
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
Department for Education
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20 Not Addressed

Expand UCAS remit to cover all post-16 pathways and align application timelines.

Recommendation
We recommend that the remit of UCAS be expanded to offer a single source of information for all routes, including academic and vocational pathways. Application timelines for vocational courses, including apprenticeships, should better align with those for university admissions. Apprenticeship … Read more
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
Department for Education
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21 Accepted in Part

T Level programmes face significant challenges impacting student retention, satisfaction, and public awareness.

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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22 Accepted in Part

Launch a national awareness campaign for T Levels and overhaul the transition programme.

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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23 Rejected

Introduce modular T Level qualifications to enable flexible student pathways and employer engagement.

Recommendation
We recommend the introduction of modular or smaller-sized T Level qualifications (e.g. equivalent to one A Level) to enable students to study a blend of academic and technical qualifications and allow more flexible entry and exit points. Employers should be … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states it will introduce V Levels, a new vocational pathway, alongside A Levels and T Levels, which will allow students to explore sectors and combine applied learning with practical assessment. This differs from the recommended modular T Level qualifications.
Department for Education
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25 Rejected

Commit to long-term retention and sustained funding for essential Level 3 qualifications and AGQs.

Recommendation
Level 3 qualifications—including Applied General Qualifications—which provide students with a popular and respected alternative to both A Levels and T Levels must remain an option for all young people. The Government must publicly commit to the long-term retention of these … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government proposes introducing V Levels as a new vocational pathway alongside A levels and T Levels, as outlined in its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper. A consultation on post-16 Level 3 and below pathways is currently underway, with a response expected later in 2026, indicating that the future of existing qualifications is still under review.
Department for Education
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27 Not Addressed

Improve communication and transparency with FE sector on qualification reforms and evaluate impact.

Recommendation
The Department for Education must improve the way in which it communicates with the FE sector about any future reform of qualifications, for example by ensuring that the terms of reference are published and that there is open and transparent … Read more
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this recommendation.
Department for Education
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28 Acknowledged

Current post-16 GCSE English and maths resit policy proves ineffective and burdensome.

Recommendation
The current requirement for all post-16 students who have not achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and maths to continue to study those subjects alongside their other studies is not working for the majority of post- 16 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government aims to improve English and maths achievement at Level 2 through various reforms, including introducing a new Level 1 stepping stone qualification, implementing accountability changes, and providing additional support for FE providers.
Department for Education
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29 Acknowledged

Introduce a three-route model for post-16 students not achieving GCSE English and maths.

Recommendation
We recommend the introduction of a three-route model for those who have not attained grade 4 GCSE in maths and/or English based on their level of attainment at age 16 and their chosen post-16 qualification or employment pathway: 95 • … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government aims to improve English and maths achievement at Level 2 through reforms, including a new Level 1 stepping stone qualification, accountability changes, and additional support for FE providers, but does not explicitly commit to the proposed three-route model.
Department for Education
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30 Accepted

Improve GCSE English and maths pass rates at age 16 to address resit problem.

Recommendation
The Department for Education must take action to address the resit problem at source by ensuring that more children leave school with sufficient levels of numeracy and literacy. As part of its response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government commits to improving English and maths achievement at Level 2 through reforms including a new Level 1 stepping stone qualification, accountability changes, and additional support for FE providers.
Department for Education
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32 Accepted

Simplify apprenticeship system for employers and apprentices, providing tailored support for SMEs by April 2026

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education simplifies the apprenticeship system for employers and prospective apprentices in order to increase participation. By April 2026, it must create a streamlined application and reporting process tailored for businesses, and provide dedicated support … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for better skills data and states it is already transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer to provide greater flexibility. It does not detail specific new actions to simplify the application and reporting process for employers or provide dedicated support for SMEs as requested.
Department for Education
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34 Not Addressed

Expand foundation apprenticeships to include hospitality, retail, and care sectors by April 2026

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education expands the foundation apprenticeship scheme to include the hospitality, retail and care sectors— as well as other high-demand sectors for young people—by April 2026. The purpose of foundation and other shorter apprenticeships must … Read more
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this recommendation.
Department for Education
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36 Not Addressed

Introduce three-route model for apprentices not achieving GCSE grade 4 maths and English

Recommendation
We recommend the introduction of a three-route model for all apprentices who have not attained grade 4 GCSE in maths and/or English based on their level of attainment at age 16 and their chosen apprenticeship: • Route A: Apprentices who, … Read more
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this recommendation.
Department for Education
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38 Not Addressed

Re-introduce levy funding for level 7 apprenticeships for all ages in growth sectors and regulated professions

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education re-introduces levy funding for level 7 apprenticeships for all ages within the eight growth- driving sectors and for regulated professions, such as healthcare. (Recommendation, Paragraph 149)
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
Department for Education
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39 Not Addressed

Monitor impact of defunding other level 7 apprenticeships for over 22s; reintroduce funding when needed

Recommendation
The Department must monitor the impact of defunding all other level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over and be willing to reintroduce levy funding where necessary. (Recommendation, Paragraph 150) Supporting further education students
Government Response Summary
Despite stating "ACCEPT", the government's response does not commit to monitoring the impact of defunding Level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over or to being willing to reintroduce levy funding. It instead discusses broader apprenticeship reforms and support for SMEs and younger apprentices.
Department for Education
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41 Not Addressed

Accelerate Mental Health Support Team rollout for 100% post-16 coverage by 2029-30, publishing impact data.

Recommendation
The Government’s pledge of 100% MHST coverage by 2029–30 must be met and must include all post-16 students and trainees. We recommend that Government accelerates the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams with a particular focus on expanding coverage for … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states its commitment to improving mental health support for FE students through guidance, a whole-college approach, and the appointment of an FE Student Support Champion, but does not address accelerating MHST rollout or monitoring its impact.
Department for Education
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42 Not Addressed

Improve access to CAMHS and adult mental health services for young people with severe conditions.

Recommendation
The Government must improve access to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services for those children and young people with more severe mental health conditions and whose education is often interrupted for months or years … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government outlines existing commitments to improve mental health support for FE students through a whole-college approach, guidance, and the appointment of an FE Student Support Champion. It does not specifically address improving access to CAMHS and adult mental health services or reducing wait times for severe mental health conditions.
Department for Education
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44 Rejected

Introduce 16-19 student premium for disadvantaged post-16 students, pegged to the Pupil Premium.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education introduces a 16–19 student premium for disadvantaged post-16 students. This funding should be pegged to the Pupil Premium and would be a targeted investment for post-16 students who have been eligible for the … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the introduction of a new 16-19 student premium, stating it already funds existing financial support programmes for 16-19 year olds, including the Bursary Fund and other support mechanisms.
Department for Education
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47 Not Addressed

Consolidate Further Education SEND policy under the Minister for Skills' portfolio.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education consolidates FE SEND policy under the Minister for Skills’ portfolio. (Recommendation, Paragraph 176)
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this recommendation.
Department for Education
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49 Not Addressed

Extend statutory duty for local authorities to provide home-to-college transport for post-16 SEND.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education considers extending the statutory duty on local authorities to provide home-to-college transport for further education students with SEND from the age of 16 to
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
Department for Education
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50 Accepted

Mandate local authorities to provide travel training programmes for post-16 young people.

Recommendation
The Department must mandate that all local authorities provide travel training programmes for young people in this age group, for whom such training is appropriate, to promote independence and safe travel. The Department for Education must work with the Ministry … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Department states they already fund travel assistance to eligible students and provide guidance to local authorities. They are working with other departments on a bespoke formula to recognise home to school transport costs, with a consultation expected in 2026.
Department for Education
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55 Accepted in Part

Increase per-student funding across all post-16 streams, adjusted for inflation and student numbers.

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 student numbers.
Department for Education
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57 Accepted

Increase capital funding for further education and expand eligibility to all college types.

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education increases capital funding significantly to support further education providers with modernisation and expansion. The increase in post-16 student numbers will be temporary, however, and therefore in some cases funding should be allocated to … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government has committed £6.7 billion in capital funding for education, including specific allocations for FE colleges and an additional £375 million for capacity expansion, with consideration for temporary needs in line with the recommendation.
Department for Education
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59 Rejected

FE and sixth form colleges face an unjustifiable VAT burden on expenditure.

Recommendation
Whilst academies and schools with sixth forms do not have to pay VAT, FE colleges and standalone sixth form colleges are not eligible for refunds in the VAT they incur on their expenditure. As colleges were reclassified as public bodies … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation for VAT exemption for FE colleges, explaining that while education services are exempt, many public bodies cannot recover VAT on their expenditure, and any changes would need to be considered within broader public finances.
Department for Education
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62 Rejected

Establish statutory pay review body for colleges to close pay gap with school teachers

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education establishes a statutory pay review body for colleges comparable to the School Teachers’ Review Body. This body should provide independent, evidence-based pay recommendations for teachers and staff and help to ensure equity of … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejects establishing a statutory pay review body and committing to close the pay gap, asserting that FE colleges are responsible for setting pay, though it outlines other support for recruitment and retention.
Department for Education
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65 Accepted

Develop and publish strategy for securing skilled trades pipeline into vocational teaching roles

Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Education develops and publishes a strategy for working with employers to secure a pipeline from skilled trades into vocational teaching, including staff who are retiring and secondments from larger organisations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 237) Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states it has 'PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE' through the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which includes a commitment to strengthen the pipeline from skilled trades into vocational teaching, and specific initiatives like a £20 million FE Teacher Industry Exchange scheme.
Department for Education
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67 Deferred

Increase adult education and skills funding to meet demand and align with national missions

Recommendation
Funding for adult education and skills must increase to meet demand and to ensure that those over the age of 19 are able to participate in, and benefit from, the Government’s national missions. The Government must assess demand for adult … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is 'UNDER REVIEW,' deferring to Skills England to provide data and analysis to inform future funding decisions, while clarifying that major funding decisions remain with government ministers.
Department for Education
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68 Accepted

Ensure adult education policy reflects diverse motivations and safeguards lifelong learning opportunities

Recommendation
As adult education policy and funding transitions to the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government must ensure that learning and training opportunities remain accessible to anyone seeking to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, or take incremental steps toward … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states 'PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE' through the Adult Skills Fund, which includes £1.4 billion annual spending, covers 'wider outcomes of learning' beyond employment, and provides fully funded entitlements for essential skills and first Level 2 or 3 qualifications.
Department for Education
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Conclusions (32)

Observations and findings
1 Conclusion Not Addressed
Given the primacy of the Government’s economic growth mission, and the emphasis the Government has placed on a high-functioning and forward- looking skills system to deliver that mission, the comparison between the status of Skills England on the one hand and organisations such as the Met Office and the DVLA …
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition and reiterates Skills England's established role as an executive agency supporting economic growth and the industrial strategy, without addressing the committee's concerns about impartiality or statutory foundation.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
As an Executive Agency, Skills England is accountable to the Department for Education and therefore answerable to Parliament through this Committee. We will hold Skills England to account through annual accountability sessions and urge subsequent Education Committees to continue this practice. (Recommendation, Paragraph 18)
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's interest and details the existing accountability mechanisms for Executive Agencies, including ministerial and accounting officer accountability, and confirms continued support for the Chair and Vice Chair meeting with the Education Committee.
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4 Conclusion Deferred
We have heard serious concerns that the role of Chief Executive Officer at Skills England is too junior within the civil service hierarchy. The director- level status given to the holders of that position may limit their ability to influence those working across Government and undermine the authority they need …
Government Response Summary
The government states that the effectiveness of Skills England's leadership structure will be considered as part of a broader review of the agency, which was previously committed to within 18-24 months of its establishment.
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6 Conclusion 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 Summary
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 new growth and skills offer continues to support SMEs in accessing apprenticeships.
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7 Conclusion 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 Summary
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 SMEs, without explicitly committing to the specific deadlines or scope of the recommended reform.
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8 Conclusion Rejected
We welcome the Government’s plans to deepen and widen the devolution of skills and employment support in England. Devolving further powers to Strategic Authorities will help to drive growth, encourage the co- ordinated delivery of education and training services across the country, and meet the unique needs of local communities. …
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the implicit suggestion to devolve 16-19 education funding, stating it is important to maintain a national, consistently high-quality offer to promote social mobility. It confirms Mayors will continue to feed priorities into DfE's strategic conversations and LSIPs for 16-19 year olds.
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13 Conclusion Accepted
The number of young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England is unacceptable both for the life chances of young people and for economic growth. The Government’s Youth Guarantee goes some way to support 18–21-year-olds to access education, training and employment opportunities. However, it will only …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines the existing Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and describes how Mayoral Strategic Authorities are delivering trailblazers. It also lists current mechanisms like the September Guarantee, Raising the Participation Age, and Risk of NEET Indicator that already support 16-24 year olds.
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged
Funding for adult education programmes has largely been devolved over the last decade which has provided local areas with more control, but it has also led to a disparate and uneven adult skills landscape. Some authorities have more powers than others, co-ordination between areas is not always smooth, and employers …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observations and highlights Skills England, Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), and ongoing devolution efforts as key drivers in creating a coherent skills system, improving employer involvement, and addressing skills gaps to meet workforce needs.
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17 Conclusion Not Addressed
There is a stark disparity between how post-16 technical and vocational education and training pathways are presented to pupils and how academic pathways are presented, and fundamental differences in the levels of support and guidance that students receive about each. The Baker Clause and the provider access legislation are meant …
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
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19 Conclusion Not Addressed
Information about post-16 pathways can be fragmented, with no single platform covering both academic and vocational options. Apprenticeship applications are particularly complex due to the absence of a national framework and regional inconsistencies. Additionally, vocational application timelines are misaligned with university admissions, making it difficult for 93 young people to …
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this conclusion.
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24 Conclusion Acknowledged
There remains uncertainty for both students and colleges around the long- term availability of level 3 qualifications that had previously been earmarked for defunding. Despite a temporary extension of funding until 2027, the sector remains in limbo, without the clarity it needs to plan ahead. Level 3 qualifications which provide …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which proposes new V Levels alongside A Levels and T Levels, and reforms for Level 2 and below qualifications. It also states that a consultation on post-16 Level 3 and below pathways is underway, with the government's response expected later in 2026.
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26 Conclusion Rejected
The Department for Education should ensure that post-16 students are able to pursue a mixture of A Levels, Applied General Qualifications and T Levels in order to support more tailored and inclusive educational pathways. Providing students with the flexibility to combine different forms of post-16 qualifications would better reflect individual …
Government Response Summary
The government's Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper proposes a new V Level pathway alongside A Levels and T Levels. It also notes an ongoing consultation on post-16 Level 3 and below pathways, with a government response expected in 2026, indicating a different strategy for post-16 qualification flexibility.
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31 Conclusion Accepted
We welcome the Government’s reforms of the apprenticeship system and the introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy. The former apprenticeship levy was seen by some organisations—particularly small and medium- sized businesses—as being part of an overly complex and inflexible apprenticeship system. However, for many prospective apprentices and employers, the …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for better skills data and states it is already transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer to provide greater flexibility. It does not detail specific new actions to simplify the application and reporting process as requested.
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33 Conclusion Not Addressed
Foundation apprenticeships have been welcomed by the sector. However, whilst these shorter apprenticeships rightly aim to help young people enter critical sectors, there are concerns about the Government’s decision not to target “everyday sectors”, such as the hospitality, retail and care sectors, when they were rolled out in August 2025; …
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this conclusion.
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35 Conclusion Not Addressed
The current apprenticeship system faces inconsistencies as a result of recent changes to maths and English requirements for those aged 19 and over. Whilst removing the requirement for adult apprentices to attain grade 4 maths and English before completing their apprenticeships may increase participation, it also risks widening existing literacy …
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this conclusion.
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37 Conclusion Not Addressed
The evidence received by the Committee is overwhelmingly opposed to the Government’s decision not to fund level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over through the Growth and Skills Levy. The defunding of these apprenticeships will reduce uptake—particularly in key sectors such as healthcare—widen existing skills shortages, and limit …
Government Response Summary
There is no response to this conclusion.
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40 Conclusion Acknowledged
Poor mental health is a growing crisis for young people, with rising rates of anxiety, depression and eating disorders—particularly for those aged 17 to 19. The Government has pledged specialist mental health support in all schools and colleges, but the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) has been slow—only …
Government Response Summary
The government states its commitment to improving mental health support for FE students through guidance, a whole-college approach, and the appointment of an FE Student Support Champion.
View Details →
43 Conclusion Accepted
On average, economically disadvantaged students aged 16–19 do not perform as well as their peers or achieve the same educational outcomes. Per-pupil funding drops sharply after the age of 16, creating a cliff edge that limits support for disadvantaged students. Existing bursaries for disadvantaged students aged 16–19 are insufficient and …
Government Response Summary
The government states it already funds financial support programmes for 16-19 year olds, including the Bursary Fund, and provides participation funding for learners with EHC plans and other adult support.
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45 Conclusion Accepted
We also recommend that the Department utilises local authority-level data to identify and address the unique barriers in areas in which attainment across qualification pathways (including A Levels, T Levels, AGQs) is below the national average. (Recommendation, Paragraph 171)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating Skills England is already strengthening jobs and skills data by mapping pathways and developing a new skills taxonomy. It will also develop a Local Skills Dashboard for effective data release and publish research interests by early 2026 to further improve data collection.
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46 Conclusion Not Addressed
SEND policy is currently overseen by the Minister for School Standards whilst further education policy lies with the Minister for Skills. This split in ministerial responsibility has led to the neglect of FE SEND policy, as well as inefficiencies, limited accountability and policy fragmentation. Specialist further education should have its …
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
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48 Conclusion Not Addressed
Local authorities in England are not legally required to provide free transport for the majority post-16 students with SEND, leading to inconsistent and often inadequate support. Financial pressures have 99 caused many councils to restrict eligibility and reduce services, making access to education more difficult for affected students. Families face …
Government Response Summary
No response provided.
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51 Conclusion Accepted
Care leavers face significant challenges transitioning into further education, employment or training. Care leavers aged 19–21 are three times more likely not to be in education, employment or training than their peers. There is insufficient support for those transitioning into further education or training. There is also a lack of …
Government Response Summary
The government states "PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE", detailing the Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and Skills White Paper commitments to strengthen identification and support for NEET young people, including care leavers, through improved data sharing, revised guidance, auto-enrolment pilots, and strengthened attendance tracking.
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52 Conclusion Accepted
As set out in our Children’s Social Care report, the Department for Education must develop a National Care Offer to harmonise the postcode lottery in entitlements and ensure that care leavers receive a minimum level of support, wherever they live. The Department for Education must also develop a strategy to …
Government Response Summary
The government states it has existing plans in place, such as the Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and other support mechanisms like the September Guarantee, Raising the Participation Age, and the Risk of NEET Indicator, to support young people. It does not commit to developing a new National Care Offer or dedicated transition programme specifically for care leavers.
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53 Conclusion Not Addressed
The Department must record data on post-16 pathways and attainment for those with care experience—including detailed data on qualifications, course types and completion rates. The Department should also monitor long-term outcomes—employment quality, income levels, and 100 higher education progression for those with care experience—and take steps to address existing disparities …
Government Response Summary
The government details existing initiatives like the Youth Guarantee and other support mechanisms for young people, but its response does not address the specific recommendation to record and monitor data on post-16 pathways and long-term outcomes for those with care experience.
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54 Conclusion Accepted
The further education sector faces significant funding challenges due to prolonged real-terms cuts since 2010, with per-student funding still below 2009–10 levels. A rise in the number of 16–18-year-olds over the coming years will continue to increase pressure on colleges and other providers, yet per-student funding has not kept pace …
Government Response Summary
The government states £8.5 billion has been allocated for 16-19 programme funding in 2025/26, with an additional £400 million investment this year and nearly £800 million extra planned for 2026/27.
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56 Conclusion Accepted
Colleges face significant challenges due to limited and short-term capital funding. Whilst recent allocations have addressed urgent maintenance needs, the lack of sustained capital investment prevents long-term improvements. The £300 million allocated for 2025–26 is insufficient given the scale of need across thousands of college buildings. Furthermore, access to capital …
Government Response Summary
The government details "PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE", including £6.7 billion in capital funding for education in 2025-26 with annual allocations to provide greater certainty for FE colleges. It also outlines existing alternative capital funding routes available to sixth form and specialist colleges, addressing concerns about equitable access.
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58 Conclusion Rejected
We also recommend that the Department for Education provides a one-off capital grant for specialist SEND colleges to address serious and urgent concerns around the condition of buildings and facilities. Furthermore, the Department must create a ring-fenced High Needs Fund for specialist SEND colleges at the national level to reduce …
Government Response Summary
The government states existing annual funding mechanisms apply to special post-16 institutions but explicitly rejects creating a ring-fenced national High Needs Fund for specialist SEND colleges, stating local authorities determine priorities for un-ringfenced capital funding.
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60 Conclusion Rejected
The Department for Education must make the case to the Treasury that all FE providers—including FE colleges and sixth form colleges—be exempt from paying VAT on expenditure. The Department must update this Committee in writing on the outcome of these discussions by April 2026. (Recommendation, Paragraph 220)
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is 'NOT TAKEN FORWARD,' explaining that while education services are exempt, colleges cannot recover VAT on expenditure like many public bodies, and any tax system changes require broader public finance considerations.
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61 Conclusion Rejected
There is a growing pay disparity between school and college teachers in England, with college staff earning significantly less—on average college teachers earn 15% less. This issue has led to staff dissatisfaction and has contributed to the recruitment and retention crisis. Whilst school-teacher pay is centrally reviewed and funded, college …
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly states it has "no plans to establish a dedicated pay review body" for further education, asserting colleges are responsible for setting pay. It highlights recent and planned investment to support colleges in addressing staffing challenges.
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63 Conclusion Accepted
College teacher retention rates are significantly lower than in schools, with less than a quarter of college teachers remaining in the profession after ten years. Pay disparities, excessive workloads, limited professional development and job insecurity are causing burnout and undermining teachers’ confidence and contentment in their jobs. Whilst the Government …
Government Response Summary
The government highlights various existing plans and investments, including £800 million in 16-19 education, targeted financial incentives for early career teachers in priority subjects, and schemes to improve mentoring and professional development. It describes ongoing efforts to support recruitment and retention in the post-16 sector, including a new FE Teacher Industry Exchange scheme.
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64 Conclusion Accepted
The Department for Education must address the underlying and unresolved reasons for the recruitment and retention crisis amongst school and college teachers, which include pay disparities, excessive workloads, limited professional development and job insecurity. In so doing, it must develop incentives for all post-16 teaching staff to remain in the …
Government Response Summary
The government details existing actions, including £800 million in additional funding for 16-19 education, targeted financial incentives for early career STEM teachers in FE, and initiatives to improve job security, workload, and wellbeing in partnership with unions.
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66 Conclusion Acknowledged
Funding for adult education and skills has declined sharply since the early 2000s, particularly in classroom-based learning. The Government’s reduction in adult education funding for 2025–26 will further undermine efforts to upskill the existing workforce and to support those who are out of work or struggling to progress. Reduced investment …
Government Response Summary
The government states Skills England will inform funding decisions with data and analysis. It also outlines the existing Adult Skills Fund (ASF) which supports employment, social inclusion, and lifelong learning, confirming commitment to accessible education for those who need it most, and highlights the increased Earnings Threshold.
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