Further Education and Skills

Education Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 29 Jan 2025 Closed: 30 Jan 2026 Parliament page
The further education sector is currently navigating a series of reforms and challenges. In this inquiry the Education Committee will explore these issues and other pressures currently facing the further education sector, including the pay gap between school and college teachers, maths and English GCSE resits, students’ mental health. Read … Read more
36 Recommendations
32 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
1 Letter
4 Events
Activity timeline 11 events
3 Feb
2026
Correspondence
9 Dec
2025
Report published
23 Sep
2025
Report published
24 Jun
2025
Oral evidence
24 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
3 Jun
2025
Oral evidence
3 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
23 Apr
2025
Oral evidence
23 Apr
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
25 Mar
2025
Oral evidence
25 Mar
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
24 Jun 2025
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Further Education and Skills
Julia Kinniburgh · Department for Education The Rt Hon. the Baroness Smith of Malvern · Department for Education
3 Jun 2025
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Further Education and Skills
Clare Howard · Natspec David Gaughan · West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Denise Rawls · The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Dr Emily Tanner · Nuffield Foundation Dr Fiona Aldridge · The Skills Federation Dr Susan Pember CBE · HOLEX Jane Gratton · British Chambers of Commerce Qasim Hussain · National Union of Students
23 Apr 2025
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Further Education and Skills
Ben Rowland · Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) Dr Katerina Kolyva · Education and Training Foundation (ETF) Emily Rock · Association of Apprentices Jane Hadfield · NHS England Phil Smith CBE · Skills England Sarah Maclean CBE · Skills England Sir David Bell · Skills England Tessa Griffiths CBE · Skills England
25 Mar 2025
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Further Education and Skills
Alice Gardner · Edge Foundation Bill Watkin CBE · Sixth Form Colleges Association Darren Hankey · Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) David Hughes CBE · Association of Colleges David Robinson · Education Policy Institute Jo Grady · University College Union (UCU) Mr Imran Tahir · Institute for Fiscal Studies Robert Nitsch CBE · Federation of Awarding Bodies
Title HC No. Published Items Response
6th Report - Further Education and Skills HC 666 23 Sep 2025 68 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
21 results
Clear
2 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Urge subsequent Education Committees to continue annual accountability sessions for Skills England.
As an Executive Agency, Skills England is accountable to the Department for Education and therefore answerable to Parliament through this Committee. We will hold Skills England to account through annual accountability sessions and urge subsequent Education Committees to continue this … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the committee's interest and details the existing accountability mechanisms for Executive Agencies, including ministerial and accounting officer accountability, and confirms continued support for the Chair and Vice Chair meeting with the Education Committee.
Department for Education
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3 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Commit to an independent review of Skills England by June 2027 to ensure full independence.
We recommend that the Department for Education commits to an independent review of Skills England within two years of it becoming fully operational—by June 2027—with a commitment to legislate further to ensure full independence if necessary. (Recommendation, Paragraph 19) Read more
Government Response
The government states that plans are already in place for a review of Skills England within 18-24 months of its establishment as an Executive Agency, which will consider its delivery mode and effectiveness, aligning with good practice for new arm's length bodies.
Department for Education
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11 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Address challenges navigating LSIPs and ensure balanced local partnerships.
Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) have been effective in aligning employer needs with education and training provision, and in utilising and developing local partnerships. LSIPs are a relatively new initiative and will need time to become fully established. However, those … Read more
Government Response
The government states that plans are already in place, explaining how LSIPs, overseen by Skills England, aim to reduce duplication and ensure coherent decision-making. It highlights that statutory guidance mandates key stakeholder involvement in LSIP governance and that FE providers' accountability statements require active collaboration to align provision with skills priorities.
Department for Education
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12 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Conduct policy audit to streamline LSIPs and rationalise local skills partnerships with clear criteria.
We recommend that the Department for Education conducts a policy audit to identify overlaps between LSIPs and other skills initiatives in order to streamline LSIPs and make them more coherent and easier to navigate. We also recommend that the Department … Read more
Government Response
The government states that LSIPs have a distinct statutory purpose and that Skills England ensures local intelligence informs strategies to reduce duplication. It also highlights existing statutory guidance for stakeholder involvement and the role of accountability statements in fostering coherence, implying current mechanisms address the recommendation.
Department for Education
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13 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Youth Guarantee eligibility too narrow, excluding 16-17 and 22-24 year olds.
The number of young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England is unacceptable both for the life chances of young people and for economic growth. The Government’s Youth Guarantee goes some way to support 18–21-year-olds to … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines the existing Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and describes how Mayoral Strategic Authorities are delivering trailblazers. It also lists current mechanisms like the September Guarantee, Raising the Participation Age, and Risk of NEET Indicator that already support 16-24 year olds.
Department for Education
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16 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Create Skills Co-ordination Board by April 2026 to oversee regional adult education strategies.
We recommend that the Department for Education and Skills England create a Skills Co-ordination Board by April 2026. Local areas must be given the flexibility to develop and implement their own tailor-made strategies on adult education and training; the purpose … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights Skills England's existing role as a key driver for a high-functioning skills system, supporting integration and informing skills needs, and states that devolution and Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are the mechanisms for coordinating regional strategies with national sector needs. It does not commit to creating a new Skills Co-ordination Board.
Department for Education
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30 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Improve GCSE English and maths pass rates at age 16 to address resit problem.
The Department for Education must take action to address the resit problem at source by ensuring that more children leave school with sufficient levels of numeracy and literacy. As part of its response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to improving English and maths achievement at Level 2 through reforms including a new Level 1 stepping stone qualification, accountability changes, and additional support for FE providers.
Department for Education
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31 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Apprenticeship pathway remains unclear and discouraging for many
We welcome the Government’s reforms of the apprenticeship system and the introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy. The former apprenticeship levy was seen by some organisations—particularly small and medium- sized businesses—as being part of an overly complex and inflexible … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for better skills data and states it is already transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer to provide greater flexibility. It does not detail specific new actions to simplify the application and reporting process as requested.
Department for Education
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32 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Simplify apprenticeship system for employers and apprentices, providing tailored support for SMEs by April 2026
We recommend that the Department for Education simplifies the apprenticeship system for employers and prospective apprentices in order to increase participation. By April 2026, it must create a streamlined application and reporting process tailored for businesses, and provide dedicated support … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for better skills data and states it is already transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer to provide greater flexibility. It does not detail specific new actions to simplify the application and reporting process for employers or provide dedicated support for SMEs as requested.
Department for Education
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43 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Insufficient funding and support hinder educational outcomes for disadvantaged post-16 students.
On average, economically disadvantaged students aged 16–19 do not perform as well as their peers or achieve the same educational outcomes. Per-pupil funding drops sharply after the age of 16, creating a cliff edge that limits support for disadvantaged students. … Read more
Government Response
The government states it already funds financial support programmes for 16-19 year olds, including the Bursary Fund, and provides participation funding for learners with EHC plans and other adult support.
Department for Education
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45 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Utilise local data to address barriers in areas with below-average qualification attainment.
We also recommend that the Department utilises local authority-level data to identify and address the unique barriers in areas in which attainment across qualification pathways (including A Levels, T Levels, AGQs) is below the national average. (Recommendation, Paragraph 171) Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating Skills England is already strengthening jobs and skills data by mapping pathways and developing a new skills taxonomy. It will also develop a Local Skills Dashboard for effective data release and publish research interests by early 2026 to further improve data collection.
Department for Education
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50 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Mandate local authorities to provide travel training programmes for post-16 young people.
The Department must mandate that all local authorities provide travel training programmes for young people in this age group, for whom such training is appropriate, to promote independence and safe travel. The Department for Education must work with the Ministry … Read more
Government Response
The Department states they already fund travel assistance to eligible students and provide guidance to local authorities. They are working with other departments on a bespoke formula to recognise home to school transport costs, with a consultation expected in 2026.
Department for Education
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51 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Care leavers face significant challenges transitioning into further education, employment or training.
Care leavers face significant challenges transitioning into further education, employment or training. Care leavers aged 19–21 are three times more likely not to be in education, employment or training than their peers. There is insufficient support for those transitioning into … Read more
Government Response
The government states "PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE", detailing the Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and Skills White Paper commitments to strengthen identification and support for NEET young people, including care leavers, through improved data sharing, revised guidance, auto-enrolment pilots, and strengthened attendance tracking.
Department for Education
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52 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Develop a National Care Offer and transition strategy for care leavers entering further education.
As set out in our Children’s Social Care report, the Department for Education must develop a National Care Offer to harmonise the postcode lottery in entitlements and ensure that care leavers receive a minimum level of support, wherever they live. … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has existing plans in place, such as the Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds and other support mechanisms like the September Guarantee, Raising the Participation Age, and the Risk of NEET Indicator, to support young people. It does not commit to developing a new National Care Offer or dedicated transition programme specifically for care leavers.
Department for Education
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54 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Further education sector faces significant funding challenges from prolonged real-terms cuts.
The further education sector faces significant funding challenges due to prolonged real-terms cuts since 2010, with per-student funding still below 2009–10 levels. A rise in the number of 16–18-year-olds over the coming years will continue to increase pressure on colleges … Read more
Government Response
The government states £8.5 billion has been allocated for 16-19 programme funding in 2025/26, with an additional £400 million investment this year and nearly £800 million extra planned for 2026/27.
Department for Education
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56 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Colleges face significant challenges due to limited and inequitable capital funding.
Colleges face significant challenges due to limited and short-term capital funding. Whilst recent allocations have addressed urgent maintenance needs, the lack of sustained capital investment prevents long-term improvements. The £300 million allocated for 2025–26 is insufficient given the scale of … Read more
Government Response
The government details "PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE", including £6.7 billion in capital funding for education in 2025-26 with annual allocations to provide greater certainty for FE colleges. It also outlines existing alternative capital funding routes available to sixth form and specialist colleges, addressing concerns about equitable access.
Department for Education
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57 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Increase capital funding for further education and expand eligibility to all college types.
We recommend that the Department for Education increases capital funding significantly to support further education providers with modernisation and expansion. The increase in post-16 student numbers will be temporary, however, and therefore in some cases funding should be allocated to … Read more
Government Response
The government has committed £6.7 billion in capital funding for education, including specific allocations for FE colleges and an additional £375 million for capacity expansion, with consideration for temporary needs in line with the recommendation.
Department for Education
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63 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Low college teacher retention rates caused by pay, workload, and professional development issues
College teacher retention rates are significantly lower than in schools, with less than a quarter of college teachers remaining in the profession after ten years. Pay disparities, excessive workloads, limited professional development and job insecurity are causing burnout and undermining … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights various existing plans and investments, including £800 million in 16-19 education, targeted financial incentives for early career teachers in priority subjects, and schemes to improve mentoring and professional development. It describes ongoing efforts to support recruitment and retention in the post-16 sector, including a new FE Teacher Industry Exchange scheme.
Department for Education
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64 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Address underlying reasons for recruitment and retention crisis among school and college teachers
The Department for Education must address the underlying and unresolved reasons for the recruitment and retention crisis amongst school and college teachers, which include pay disparities, excessive workloads, limited professional development and job insecurity. In so doing, it must develop … Read more
Government Response
The government details existing actions, including £800 million in additional funding for 16-19 education, targeted financial incentives for early career STEM teachers in FE, and initiatives to improve job security, workload, and wellbeing in partnership with unions.
Department for Education
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65 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Develop and publish strategy for securing skilled trades pipeline into vocational teaching roles
We recommend that the Department for Education develops and publishes a strategy for working with employers to secure a pipeline from skilled trades into vocational teaching, including staff who are retiring and secondments from larger organisations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 237) Read more
Government Response
The government states it has 'PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE' through the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which includes a commitment to strengthen the pipeline from skilled trades into vocational teaching, and specific initiatives like a £20 million FE Teacher Industry Exchange scheme.
Department for Education
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68 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Further Education and…
Ensure adult education policy reflects diverse motivations and safeguards lifelong learning opportunities
As adult education policy and funding transitions to the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government must ensure that learning and training opportunities remain accessible to anyone seeking to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, or take incremental steps toward … Read more
Government Response
The government states 'PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE' through the Adult Skills Fund, which includes £1.4 billion annual spending, covers 'wider outcomes of learning' beyond employment, and provides fully funded entitlements for essential skills and first Level 2 or 3 qualifications.
Department for Education
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Government Response AI assessment · 68 of 36 classified
Accepted 21
Accepted in Part 5
Acknowledged 6
Deferred 4
Not Addressed 20
Rejected 12
Total 36 recs + 32 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
3 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from Minister for Skills on Further Education ITE Reform, dated 26.01.26
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