Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
6th Report - Further Education and Skills
Education Committee
HC 666
Published 23 September 2025
Recommendations
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 …
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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 …
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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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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 …
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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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Conclusions (2)
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.
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.