§ 25. Mr. Ivan LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for funding the further education sector. [103701]
§ Mr. WicksIn November 1999 1 announced an additional £365 million for further education in 2001–02, bringing funding to nearly £3.9 billion, a 7.7 per cent. rise in real terms over 2000–01. A consultation document which we published on 11 January sets out how the Learning and Skills Council will fund post-16 education and training from April 2001. Further Education will continue to play its key role in improving the skills base of the country.
§ 32. Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to raise standards in the further education sector. [103710]
§ Mr. WicksHigher standards in further education colleges are being promoted through the Further Education Standards Fund which comprises £275 million over the three years from 1999–2002. The Government will also continue to promote high standards in Further Education through new legislation in the Learning and Skills Bill, which includes provision for improved post-16 inspection arrangements.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 16 to 19-year-olds are receiving full-time education in(a) school sixth forms, (b) sixth form colleges and (c) general further education colleges. [106014]
§ Mr. WicksThe latest provisional figures for 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education in England are for end of calendar year 1998. They are shown in the table:
Thousand Schools1 394 Sixth form college 112 Other FE college 380 Total 886 1 Includes independent and special schools Source:
Statistical First Release13/99: Participation in education and training by 16 to 18-year-olds in England, 1988 to 1998