Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 February 2012. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Monday, 20 February 2012 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Academies: Sixth Form Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2012, Official Report, column 41W, on academies, whether he plans that academy schools without post-16 provision will establish post-16 courses within the academy itself to ensure that all Year 11 pupils participate in education or training post-16.

Answer: Raising the participation age to ensure all young people participate in education or training post-16 does not mean that young people will be required to stay at school. Young people will be required to participate in education or training but can choose to do so through a number of routes: full-time education, which may be at a school but also at a college or otherwise; an apprenticeship, or full-time work with part-time education alongside.There is no expectation that any schools, including academies, will need to establish post-16 courses unless they wanted to do so. We secured sufficient resources through the Spending Review 2010 to fund a place in education for all 16 and 17-year-olds and, in fact, it is likely that any significant amount of extra provision needed to deliver full participation will not be in school settings but will be in other routes such as apprenticeships and further education colleges. It is for local authorities to identify the educational needs of young people in its area, and the needs of employers, and to ensure this is reflected in the provision that is made available.From September, schools will be placed under a duty to secure access to independent and impartial careers guidance on the full range of 16 to 18 education and training options so that young people will be given clear advice and supported onto the post-16 provision which is most appropriate for them.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94686; 540 c720W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Academies
Monday, 6 February 2012
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Sixth form education Academies
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk