How can the post-16 education system provide better vocational and skills-based learning and qualifications?  That is the major question asked by the Education Select Committee as it launched a new inquiry into Further Education and skills.

The inquiry will investigate how the further education system including Sixth Form Colleges could better equip young people with skills and qualifications for a range of sectors experiencing labour shortages.

Whilst the government’s on-going Curriculum and Assessment Review will make recommendations in the autumn, the cross-party Education Select Committee will ask sector experts for their views specifically on the post-16 curriculum and qualifications.  This will include current post-16 reforms as well as GCSE maths and English resits and T Levels.

The inquiry will also examine the role of apprenticeships and the future work of Skills England.

The scope of the inquiry extends to how best to support young people by improving student mental health and wellbeing, and addressing current barriers to FE for those with special educational needs.

The deadline for providing written evidence to the Education Select Committee is 7 March 2025