Increasingly narrow range of subjects offered to sixth form students
01 November 2016
Funding pressures are having a detrimental effect on the curriculum in Sixth Form Colleges according to the latest Sixth Form College Association (SFCA) funding impact survey report.
89% of Sixth Form College leaders responded to the annual survey of the cumulative impact of funding cuts, citing a ‘triple narrowing’ of provision: reduction in the overall number of subjects available to students; reduction in the range of subjects; and reduction in extra-curricular and enrichment activities.
Key outcomes from the survey include:
- Two thirds (66%) of Sixth Form Colleges have dropped courses as a result of funding pressures
- The majority of Sixth Form Colleges have reduced or removed extra-curricular activities including music, drama and sport
- 84% of colleges are teaching students in larger class sizes
- The vast majority are extremely concerned about the financial health of their college – 31% reported that it was likely that their college would cease to be financially viable in the next 3 years.
The survey report highlights what it sees as the disconnect between the funding made available to educate sixth formers and the actual cost of delivering the curriculum, as well as the lower rate of funding for this phase of education when compared with both pre-16 and higher education. The SFCA calls on the government to conduct a review of funding to ensure it is linked to realistic costs.
This year’s survey indicates that academy conversion is proving a popular route for Sixth Form Colleges, with 69% actively exploring this option in order to address VAT refund issues.