6th Report - Further Education and Skills

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.