Education funding for teens is vital, Rotherham MP tells Government

MP SARAH Champion has urged the Government to have a rethink of funding for education for young people aged 16 to 19.

The Rotherham MP (pictured) has written to the secretary of state for education, Damian Hinds, to urge him to ensure that education for older teenagers is considered as part of a forthcoming education funding review.

The Conservatives pledged to look at how tertiary education is funded in Britain but Ms Champion said it appeared increasingly likely that some establishments, including sixth form colleges like Thomas Rotherham College, would not be part of the review. 

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“It is absolutely vital that sixth form education is included as part of the Government's funding review,” she said.

“Sixth form education, like that provided by TRC, is a vital bridge between school and the worlds of higher education and employment.

“Education funding for 16- to 19-year-olds is around 20 per cent less than the funding for 11- to 16-year-olds, and around 50 per cent less than the average university tuition fee. “While funding has remained static, costs have continued to rise and the needs of young people have become increasingly complex.

“The proposed review of tertiary education funding presents a real opportunity to assess whether investment in this level of education is adequate.

“Should the Government indeed choose to exclude sixth forms from their considerations, they would be badly letting down young people in Rotherham and I hope they will reconsider.”

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