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The machinery of government changes announced last week are designed to sharpen the Government’s focus on the new and very different challenges that Britain will face in the years ahead. Great strides have been made in all aspects of education and skills over the past few years. But the significant challenges posed by the future demand new approaches.
To provide strong strategic leadership for the 14-19 phase overall planning responsibilities for that phase will transfer to the Department for Children, Schools and Families as will all funding for 14-19 learners with the exception of that for apprenticeships. Subject to consultation on the details and timing, to ensure there is no disruption to schools, colleges and training providers and the introduction of new diplomas, and the need to pass the necessary legislation, funding for school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and the contribution of FE colleges to the 14-19 phase will transfer from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to local authorities’ ring-fenced education budgets.
To implement these changes for 14-19 policy and funding, we will need new legislation. As noted above, there will be consultation on the details and timing of the changes. In the short term, the LSC therefore remains responsible in law for the allocation of funds to all forms of post-16 education and training outside of higher education. The LSC has demonstrated in recent years a powerful focus on delivery and an excellent record in the management of public funds. In the interests of learners, schools and colleges, continuing that high performance will remain essential as we work through to the new organisational arrangements. The LSC will have a central role to play in managing the transition successfully.
The new Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) will lead work to deliver the Government’s long-term vision to make Britain one of the best places in the world for science, research and innovation. It will also lead work to ensure that the nation has the skilled workforce it needs to compete in the global economy. In relation to post-19 education and training, we will consider, and consult on, the best way of delivering all of those functions and services that are necessary to support the FE sector and to achieve our skills ambitions. That will build on and sustain the progress made with the LSC over recent years in developing a demand-led approach that meets the needs of employers and learners, particularly through the successful Train to Gain programme.
In taking forward these changes, we will work closely with the LSC and other national partners along with schools, colleges and training providers, to ensure the changes are well managed and sustain institutional autonomy. We will take the opportunity to review how the funding and accountability framework can best support initiative and high performance both at institutional level and across the FE sector as a whole.