AoC 16-18 recruitment survey ‘reveals major concerns among college leaders’

Half of colleges have seen a drop in enrolment figures, with the blame partly placed on the loss of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

A survey by the Association of Colleges (AoC) of 182 colleges shows 49 per cent are reporting falling numbers of 16-19-year-olds, compared to last year.

It also shows a national drop of 0.1 per cent, the first time in 15 to 20 years the figure has fallen, with 46 colleges reporting a dip between five to 15 per cent.

Colleges believe unaffordable transport, combined with the abolition of the EMA and increased competition for student numbers among school and college sixth forms, have been the main causes for a decline.

The survey is further evidence supporting the findings from two surveys – conducted by Lsect – and published in FE Week. The first showed that 105 colleges forecast an initial total shortfall of 20,319 students for this academic year.

Key AoC survey findings:

  • Half of the 182 colleges that responded are seeing a drop in 16-19 students, with 46 colleges reporting a significant dip of between five per cent to 15 per cent
  • Of those reporting a decline, colleges say the end of EMAs for students in the first year of the course, competition from other providers, lack of affordable transport and cuts in funding per student were the main factors
  • A decline in Level 1 courses (pre-GSCE and basic skills) was reported by 41 per cent of respondents
  • 51 per cent of colleges said that their student numbers have increased or remained stable
  • 60 per cent of colleges reported a drop in transport spending by their local authority
  • Over half of all colleges are ‘topping up’ Government bursary funding with their own contributions and the same proportion are spending more on subsidising transport this year than last
  • 79 per cent of colleges agreeing that free meals in colleges for 16-18 year olds (currently not available, unlike in schools) would encourage participation.

Fiona McMillan, president of the AoC and principal of Bridgwater College in Somerset, said that at her own college EMA provided students with about £1,000 per year. Now, there is only £152 per year available for students.

She said: “We are all aware that funding is tight. But these young people are our future and we must consider our investment in them.

“We would all regret a situation where young people miss out and then become the so-called lost generation.”

Ms McMillan said the new 16-19 bursary, which replaced the EMA, is “better than nothing” but in terms of what it provides, “there is a big gap”. To cope, her college – like many others – has subsidised the cost.

She is also concerned colleges will miss out on vital funding, adding: “We are paid by our student numbers. So it’s an important issue for us.”

Martin Doel, chief executive of the AoC, said some of the changes could be due to demographics – with a drop of 40,000 in the 16-18 age group. He added: “It is a complex picture. The decline in college enrolment by students on Level 1 courses may be partially explained by improvements in school teaching.

“What is clear is a significant number of member colleges are concerned that financial constraints are preventing students from pursuing preferred courses at their institution of choice and there is a risk of vulnerable groups becoming disengaged from education.”

Andy Forbes, principal at Hertford Regional College, said they are “about five per cent down” on 16-18 enrolment from last year.

He said: “We’re now projecting a figure of just under 2,600 against our target of 2,719.

“We have experienced a particular decline in Level 2 enrolments and at the furthest reaches of our catchment area, which stretches quite a long way.”

Mr Forbes believes there are two factors to blame, adding: “The withdrawal of EMA and the cost of transport from the two ends of our catchment.

“We were not helped by late arrival of concrete information on what funding we had to compensate for loss of EMA and how we could use that funding, which made it difficult to put financial support in place for students and publicise them effectively.”

He also said colleges need to work harder to get the message across about the “exceptional quality of provision” they offer, in the face of “growing competition from schools” expanding sixth forms by offering vocational courses.

He added: “The decline of independent careers advice isn’t helping young people make good choices at 16 and we in FE are going to have to be a lot more active in ensuring school pupils and parents are made positively aware of the alternatives to staying on at school.”

However, the Department for Education spokesman (DfE) said there are “record numbers of 16 and 17-year-olds” in education or training.

He said: “There has been a massive increase in apprenticeships for anyone over 16 to learn a specific trade – 360,000 places in all available in more than 200 careers.

“And we are strengthening vocational education so young people will have high-quality courses open to them which are valued by employers.”

The spokesman also said: “We are targeting financial support at students who need it most to get through their studies – through the new £180m a year bursary fund, with further transitional support available for those students who were already drawing the EMA.”

Gordon Marsden, Shadow FE and Skills Minister, said the “alarming figures” show the impact of the government’s policy to scrap EMA. He said: “The government has left FE colleges facing a double whammy at a time of real economic uncertainty.

“Not only are college finances jeopardised by falling enrolment numbers, but they face the strain of having to try and address the post EMA funding gap, putting extra administrative burdens on them at a time where they claim to be setting them free.

“The government needs to get a grip urgently with a strategy that will help, rather than hinder, FE colleges in addressing young people’s employment and skills needs.”

AoC said they will repeat the enrolment survey in September 2012.

Click here to download the study and here to download the AoC press release.

Apprenticeship providers continue to ignore Functional Skills

Nine out of ten apprenticeship providers are still delivering Key Skills, rather than Functional Skills, according to a recent survey by the Association of Learning Providers (AELP).

The study, which had 173 responses over five working days, found that training providers had a remarkably low level of confidence in the delivery of Functional Skills in apprenticeships (click here to download).

The figures cast doubt on the effectiveness of Functional Skills, which are due to replace Key Skills completely in October 2012.

John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said in a letter to Graham Hoyle (click here to download), chief executive of AELP on September 28: “I am fully aware that there are issues implementing Functional Skills.

“The provision of maths and English in apprenticeships is being considered in the context of the government’s response to the Wolf review and our review of literacy and numeracy provision for adults.”

Jill Lanning, chief executive of the Federation of Awarding Bodies, added: “Particularly within apprenticeships and work based settings, we need to continue to discuss what the issues are and how they can be resolved.”

Respondents to the AELP survey include national, regional and local organisations that deliver over 100,000 apprenticeships with financial support by the Skills Funding Agency.

Ron Champion, Director of Cornwall College Business, said: “If the choice were to remain between functional skills and key skills, we would use key skills for the majority of our learners and know that our employers would choose this option too.”

The survey found that only eight per cent of respondents were delivering Functional Skills exclusively to their apprentices.

Additional comments to the survey suggested some employers had started using Functional Skills earlier in the year, but were now choosing to revert back to Key Skills.

Mr Champion said: “We have trialled functional skills in two areas, in one the result was similar to the expectations we would have had for key skills, in the other there were extreme difficulties experienced by the learners.”

Functional skills were launched in 2010 and teach learners the practical aspects of English, mathematics and ICT which are relevant for work.

AELP says that learners and employers are increasingly disillusioned with the additional teaching requirements and failure rates associated with Functional Skills.

A spokesperson from the AELP said: “Time is running short for providers to be ready, so a decision from the government is needed soon.

“The challenge is to make Functional Skills testing fit for a work based learning environment.  Right now, it certainly isn’t.”

WorldSkills leaves lasting legacy

Organisers plan to set up annual UK skills competiton after success at London competition

With the success of staging the biggest international skills competition still fresh in their minds, organisers of WorldSkills London 2011 are putting plans in place for an annual showcase to help breed Team UK stars of the future.

As the dust settled and the winners made their way home from a stunning closing ceremony on Sunday night, which saw the home team secure their record medal haul, ideas were already being put down for WorldSkills UK.

To be held in the autumn every year, the event would be around 50 per cent smaller than last week’s international competition.

Although dates and locations are yet to be finalised, the event would travel to a different area each year to ensure it is as accessible for all as possible.

Behind the plans are the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), Department for Education, National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and, of course, WorldSkills UK. Jaine Bolton, national director  of business development for NAS and official delegate for WorldSkills UK, said: “We think it will be particularly important to give people a single focus.

“We think it will be that combination which really creates a real buzz.”

She added: “The ExCel was perfect for an international event. We haven’t decided on a venue, but we don’t want it to always be in London. We also haven’t decided on a scale but roughly 50 per cent of WorldSkills London.”

Geoff Russell, chief executive of the SFA, said the success of Team UK would be the “beginning of a new, inspired future for skills excellence” in the UK.

He added: “The legacy of WorldSkills London 2011 will be an annual cycle of skills competitions driving up the standards and status of vocational skills across the country.

“The cycle will culminate in a high profile event bringing together all of the national finals to showcase all that is best in Further Education, the tremendous achievements of learners and the impact of skills and learning on individuals, businesses and the economy.”

However, a spokesperson for the SFA told FE Week: “The Skills Funding Agency held an event on October 7 to introduce the idea to FE colleges of holding an annual skills competition.

“It was agreed with the FE colleges that more information on this would follow in the coming months and the plan for an annual skills competition would be shared more widely but no public announcement was planned at this stage.”

Mrs Bolton also said: “We are exceptionally proud of Team UK, but not just the competitors, the experts, the trainers and the people behind the scenes too. I was really struck by all of the work being done to make everything happen and for it to happen smoothly.”

Throughout the event, a number of high-profile celebrities and public figures made an appearance, including Prime Minister David Cameron. After touring the event on Day Two, Mr Cameron ‘had a go’ at mobile robotics and spoke to school and college children from across the UK. He said: “Standing here is so inspiring. To see almost 1,000 young people from more than 50 countries competing to be the best of the best.

“Not just in one skill, but in more than 40 skills from robotics, to web design, from cookery to landscape gardening. It’s great too for me that the UK is able to show off the skills and diversity of our own young people. What they have all achieved here sets a fantastic example for other young people.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, was taken for a whistlestop tour on Day Three and he showed he was not afraid to get his hands dirty by replacing the tyre of a Honda Fireblade motorcycle, ceremoniously holding aloft the sprocket carrier as he did so.

He said: “It’s a great venue and it’s very inspiring. I was very slow (at changing the tyre). I can barely repair a bike puncture.”

He also praised the hands-on activities on offer, adding: “The motivation is there for these kids (because) they can come along and join up to the different skills. You can change your way – it’s about self discovery,” he said.

The closing ceremony – held at the nearby O2 Arena – was attended by Skills Minister John Hayes, who said: “These inspirational results are a tribute to the skill, imagination and purposeful pride of our young people.

“Team UK has shown that UK workers and businesses can take on the world and win – but I want many thousands more people in the UK to achieve excellence.”

To watch the FE Week interview with Olympic gold medalist click here or to see what Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards thought of WorldSkills London 2011 click here.

College principal wants talks over first sixth form free school

 

A college principal is seeking talks with leaders of a new sixth form free school which is due to open in east London.

Education minister Michael Gove has announced a raft of new free schools to open from 2012.

Among them is the London Academy of Excellence, which will open in Newham and will be run by Brighton College.

The 16-19 sixth form college will have a number of sponsors, including Eton College and Highgate School, and will house no more than 400 students, with 150 in the first year.

Although no site has been identified for the London Academy of Excellence, it is hoped it will open in September 2012. Talks on a location are due to take place between the Department for Education and Brighton College next week.

Simon Smith, former deputy head of Brighton College and co-ordinator of the free school project, said the institution will focus on the “so-called harder A level” subjects and will be aimed at people living in deprived areas, who want to go to top universities.

It means they will teach English, maths and science, but not courses such as media studies, sociology and food technology.

Mr Smith said: “It arises from the top group of universities complaining that they recieve so few applications from young people in deprived areas.

“We are feeling very excited. But we will be more excited when we know which site in Newham will be given to us.

“The aim is to open in September 2012.”

However, Eddie Playfair, principal at Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc), is seeking talks with the new free school’s hierarchy.

He said: “We all want to see more young people in east London progressing to top universities. This raises questions about how best to do that.

“We have students progressing to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. We did try to initiate with one of the local heads involved but I think they wanted to wait until after the announcement.

“We would be keen to speak to them, rather than competing for the same students. It may lead to siphoning off the higher achieving students to lead to more social diversion and segregation.”

Mr Smith said he would be happy to speak to Mr Playfair.

He added: “We haven’t had dealings with them, particularly because we were told by the government not to do anything until it’s official.

“But we will do. We don’t want to pinch their best students. They have a much broader sixth form then we are offering.”

SFA delays full implementation of simplified funding system

Skills Funding Agency listen to feedback from FE providers and delay roll-out until 2013/14

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has delayed full implemenation of its ‘simplified’ adult skills funding system until 2013/14.

Colleges and training organisations will have to use the current methodology in 2012/13, but are advised to plan for the upcoming changes in what has been called a ‘dual running’ period.

The agency had originally planned to implement the new funding system in 2012/13.

However, a spokesperson from the SFA said that the timing of the new methodology was always “subject to further engagement with the sector”.

“We have engaged and have listened to the feedback from providers and will implement a dual running approach in 2012/13,” the spokesperson said.

“Colleges and training organisations will continue to be paid for the year in accordance with the current methodologies, but will also have sight of the new methodologies in order to plan for the changes in the year ahead (2013/14).”

The most recent reference to a 2012/13 launch can be found in a SFA policy update titled ‘Proposals for Funding Simplification’ published on April 27 (click here to download).

It states: “This paper sets out the proposals for simplifying the Skills Funding Agency’s funding system in 2012/13.  Proposals include a simplified rates and funding formula, as well as initial thinking about a new earnings and payment process for providers.”

It later shows a draft table of the simplified rate structure and plans to retain area cost uplift.

A further presentation given by David Hughes, National Director of College & Provider Services at the SFA  on November 17, 2010 outlines plans for a simplified rates system, simplified data returns and removal of provider factor, excluding area costs in 2012/13.

The SFA said in a previous statement to FE Week that they never intended to roll out the new methodology in 2012.

A spokesperson from the SFA said: “There isn’t any delay. We have always been committed to start the funding simplification process in 2011/12 so that we are ready for roll out of dual running in 2012/13 and full implementation in 2013/14.”

The delay, announced in ‘A new streamlined funding system for adult skills’  on October 10, proposes a simplified funding system which includes a single Adult Skills Budget for all colleges and training providers, as well as a single methodology for providing them with funds.

The document also suggests a standard ‘rates matrix’ which would fund all provision, including apprenticeships, and a funding system based on delivery in Individualised Learner Record (ILR) returns.

The SFA argues that the new system will be “a more open and transparent mechanism for determining funding” and mean that colleges can work more easily with their local communities.

The latest report states: “Any new approach must be fair and transparent. It must also recognise the diverse needs of adults, some of whom face barriers of disadvantage and disability, and in addition it must safeguard public funds.”

The document also confirms that the area cost and disadvantage uplifts will be kept in the new simplified funding formula.

The SFA suggests that because colleges and training organisations will no longer be required to record guided learning hour (glh) data, administration costs will also be reduced.

However, Beej Kaczmarczyk, Director of Funding at Sector Training, said: “Serious questions should be asked as to whether this delayed 19 plus funding reform is worth implementing. In places it adds complexity, others inconsistency, and many questions remain unanswered.”

The adult skills provision is currently funded through the Demand Led Funding (DLF) methodology introduced in 2008/09.

Classroom and workplace learning are divided in the current methodology, but would be combined under the new funding system. Providers would be paid using the monthly method.

The new SFA report follows a BIS-led consultation ‘A Simplified FE and Skills Funding System and Methodology’ and the response in ‘FE – New Horizon, Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth’ published in 2010.

2011/12 Data Collections

With the recent changes to FE funding arrangements, 2011/12 is seeing changes to the way ILR data is collected.

The introduction of the single ILR for 2011/12 has seen the Data Service redevelop its data collection systems, with the Learner Information Suite V19.01 and the 2011/12 Online Data Collections portal going live in September 2011 in time for providers to submit data for the R02 ILR return.

The latest LIS allows providers to convert existing flat file format ILR to the revised restructured XML ILR, as well as providing the functionality to merge files of different collection types, flat files and XML files.

The Learning Aim Reference Application (LARA) went live on 31 July and replaces the Learning Aim Database from 2011/12 onwards.

We are now focussing on phase 2 of the replatforming of data collection systems project, which will include further developments to OLDC, in particular the web interface and LIS will provide functionality for providers to perform migration. We will provide regular updates on developments to our systems on our website.

Data Quality

The Data Service will be releasing new Credibility Reports on 28 November 2011 based on data from the R03 ILR return. Timeliness Reports and Data Quality Dashboards will also be available from 04 January 2012 (for the R04 return) and ULN verification Reports will be available on 30 January 2012.

Rich Williams is Head of the Data Service

LRN for 2011/12

I would like to take this opportunity to also remind providers that the deadline for reporting changes to Learner Reference Numbers for 2011/12 is 12 October 2011. Further details on the process for reporting these changes can be found on our website.

 

By Rich Williams

University Technical Colleges unveiled but unions issue warning

Thousands of students can now study at specialist technical colleges, but critics are warning of a two-tier education system.

The government has announced 13 new University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are due to be opened between 2012 and 2014. Two UTCs are already open, with three more in an advanced stage of their development.

They will offer full-time courses to 14 to 19-year-olds, focusing on specialisms such as engineering and science technologies.

They are being backed by more than 130 employers, including such household names as Rolls-Royce and the Royal Navy.

One UTC will be based at the Silverstone race circuit, in Northamptonshire, following a partnership between the track, alongside Tresham College of Further and Higher Education and The University of Northampton.

Meanwhile, the government has also announced 55 new free schools, including a 16-19 sixth form. The London Academy of Excellence, in Newham, is being set up by Brighton College with other independent schools, including Eton College.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “UTCs are a key part of the government’s drive to provide school leavers with the technical knowledge and skills that industry demands.”

Lord Kenneth Baker, the co-founder of Baker Dearing Educational Trust (BDT), which has been working to develop UTCs, said: “UTCs will help our economic growth.

“10,000 young people will attend the eighteen UTCs by 2015 – a great beginning. They will combine outstanding hands-on learning with an excellent academic education – leading to unrivalled career opportunities.”

All are backed by a university, with many aided by a college. Julian Gravatt, assistant chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “UTCs are an interesting new set of institutions for young people as they will equip them with the right knowledge and the relevant skills for the future.

“We’re delighted that so many colleges have the chance to put this into effect with this latest announcement.”

However, unions have criticised UTCs, saying they could create two-tier education system and could narrow education opportunities. Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said “greater commitment to vocational education is particularly important” at a time of record high unemployment levels amongst school and college leavers.

However, she said: “The establishment of UTCs risks diverting funding from existing school and college provision and could narrow the range of educational opportunities available for young people in an area.

“The development of UTCs could result in young people being encouraged to make decisions about their future learning at too early a stage and in a way that could reduce their employment chances later on.

“Many 14 year olds simply will not be ready for such life-changing decisions. Employers need to put their money where their mouths are by contributing properly to funding vocational training opportunities and by providing decent job opportunities for young people when they leave school and college.”

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU) said UTCs “may sound great on paper” but could result in students, particularly from working class backgrounds, being “channelled in to vocational subjects” and their wealthier contemporaries are encouraged to pursue academic paths.

She said: “UTCs are likely to offer similar courses and curriculum to further education colleges and we may see ever decreasing funding diverted to new projects with considerable costs to colleges currently providing key vocational skills.”

FE Week mini-mascot (Edition 5)

Follow the adventures of FE Week’s biggest and smallest fan!

Mostly this week I have been getting excited about the Lion King in 3D

And also you can follow our FE Week mini-mascot on Twitter @daniellinford