Written question asked by Archie Norman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 March 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 14 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when she expects the funding gap between school sixth forms and further education colleges in Tunbridge Wells to be closed.

Answer: Mr. Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she expects the funding gap between school sixth forms and further education colleges in Tunbridge Wells to be closed. [221446] Dr. Howells: The Department does not have information on what the funding gap is between school sixth forms and further education colleges in Tunbridge Wells specifically. However, we have brought up funding levels for Further Education as we said we would, without penalising schools. The Learning and Skills Council's funding rates per course in FE have been rising faster than school sixth forms and the gap has narrowed. Our policy has been to raise the level of funding for colleges, as and when we are able to secure the resources to do so.

Secondary information