Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
6th Report - Further Education and Skills
Education Committee
HC 666
Published 23 September 2025
Recommendations
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 …
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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 • …
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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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Conclusions (4)
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.
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.
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.
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.