Uncertainty as to whether sixth form education is cost-effective

As there is such variation in the arrangements for accountability, performance monitoring and intervention where poor performance exists, the NAO cannot conclude that VFM is being delivered.

Expenditure on education for 16 to 18-year-olds has risen to £6 billion per year and has been matched by both improvements in student achievement and increased participation of 16 to 18-year-olds in education.

Students achieve, on average, better academic progress and results in institutions educating large numbers of 16 to 18-year-olds, whether colleges or school sixth forms. Sixth form colleges perform best on most measures of student achievement, despite currently receiving £280 per student less funding than school sixth forms.

The Department for Education (DfE) has taken steps to reduce inconsistency in how different provider types are funded and has committed to bringing the funding levels for school sixth forms into line with colleges by 2015. Although there are clear arrangements for dealing with poor performance in colleges, there is no consistent approach to dealing with poor performance in school sixth forms.

In addition, the inspection frameworks and performance and financial reporting requirements for the various types of provider are not consistent. Many schools and colleges have improved their management of back-office costs through good practice in procurement. However, direct costs including teaching staff account for over 60% of a provider’s costs and some providers have a poor understanding of how to manage these costs.

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