The Minister for Further and Higher Education has called for
universities, colleges, schools, learners, and businesses in
Wales to share their views on post-16 education and research.
The Future of Tertiary Education in Wales evidence
paper, published today, sets out the challenges facing further
and higher education in Wales and invites the post-16 education
sector to help build the evidence base that will inform and
address these challenges.
The paper identifies key challenges the post-16 education sector
faces and invites the sector to answer questions on these areas
where further insight is most useful to policy making.
These challenges include participation gaps, rising costs for
both learners and institutions, demographic changes, competition
between education providers and aligning skills provision and
research to the needs of the Welsh economy.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, , said:
“The challenges facing our post-16 education system are too
complex for us to solve alone. Universities, colleges, schools,
employers and learners hold vital insights about what is working,
what is not, and what is possible.
“We have already delivered reforms to the post-16 sector,
including establishing Medr and maintaining our approach to
student support, but we cannot ignore that there are further
challenges that need to be addressed.
"This call for evidence is our opportunity to build on our
progress, and your expertise will shape Wales's future. This is
your opportunity to influence the future direction for your
institution, your staff, your learners and your communities.
"This week I will be visiting Bangor University and Coleg Meirion
Dwyfor to speak with staff and students and hear their views on
the challenges the sector faces. These conversations will build
on my ongoing dialogue with the sector, and will be an essential
part of this work.
“I encourage everyone involved in post-16 education to come
forward and be part of this conversation."
The call for evidence is open from January to March 2026.
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