NEU comments on EPI report on Sixth form and college funding

Commenting on 16-19 Education Funding: Trends and Implications, a report published today by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“This comprehensive and important report exposes the reality of Government cuts to 16-19 education, which now amount to a real-terms cut of 24% since 2010. The consequences are dire, with the number of teaching hours students receive falling by an average of 65 hours per year over just 4 years.

“All subjects are important but it is striking that the largest cut in teaching hours was for science and maths, which runs counter to stated Government policy. The report also shows that the cuts have fallen hardest on the most deprived students. 

“The Government must act to reverse this as a matter of urgency. It is clearly wrong that 16-19 students receive less funding than secondary students and less than half the amount spent on higher education. The current situation is unsustainable and must be addressed immediately.”