An independent panel was tasked by the Government last year with reviewing post-18 education and funding. Following a consultation period, the panel has now produced its report with accompanying annexes and supporting statistics. The report has 53 recommendations for the Government covering HE, FE and apprenticeships. The report states:
Post-18 (or ‘tertiary’) education in England is a story of both care and neglect, depending on whether students are amongst the 50 per cent of young people who participate in higher education (HE) or the rest. The panel believes that this disparity simply has to be addressed. Doing so is a matter of fairness and equity and is likely to bring considerable social and economic benefits to individuals and the country at large. It is our core message.
Sector response to the review can be read here and a list of some of the recommendations can be seen here.