REVIEW OF FE STRATEGY

Post Primary Review

July 2003

Purpose of Review

• To undertake a comprehensive re-consideration of the strategy for FE

• To define the role and strategic aims for the sector in the context of wider Departmental policies on learning

Scope of Review

• To examine the relationships for planning, management, governance and funding of sector

• The relationships between FE and others - universities, schools, training organisations, voluntary providers and economic bodies

• Appropriateness of current size and structure

Process

• Establish consensus on role of FE (Jan 03)

• Evidence of performanceSupporting Economic Development

Widening Access and Increasing ParticipationImproving Quality and Raising StandardsEfficiency of Sector

• Ideas Paper on Way Forward (Autumn 03)

FE Sector

• Around 200,000 enrolments each year; c130k vocational; 70k leisure and hobby

• Courses at levels 1-5; 12% are HE courses

• Approx 50k enrolments aged 16-19.

• Majority age 16-19 attend full-time; those over age 19 attend mainly part-time;

• 35% increase in enrolments in 6 priority skill areas in 3 years

Evidence

• The Mission of Sector

• Relationship with Economic Development

• Current Model of Incorporation

• Interface with Education/Training Sectors

• Performance

• Size and Structure

Response from Consultation

• Need for a coherent strategy for 14-19

• FE to be included in collaboration with schools

• Collaboration not competition

• Strategic planning at local level to ensure use of specialist resources in FE

• Parity of esteem between academic and vocational education

Partnerships with Schools

• Currently c11,000+ pupils from schools in FE colleges for some part of their provision

• FE budget - almost £2.8m paid in 2003/04 based on 2001/02 data

• Various types of provision

Range of Provision

• Alternative Education Provision

• Key Stage 4 Flexibility

• Link Courses for individuals or group of students

• Introductory Courses

• After school provision

Current Model

• KS4 flexibility motivates pupils

• Duplication of provision between schools and FE (including small sixth forms)

• Status and esteem

• Selection by some schools at age 16

• Different funding mechanisms

• Assessment is not fit for purpose

Response to Consultation

• Need for a coherent strategy for 14-19

• FE to be included in collaboration with schools

• Collaboration not competition

• Strategic planning at local level to ensure use of specialist resources in FE

• Parity of esteem between academic and vocational education