Cut-backs loom after shake-up

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From the archive, first published Tuesday 25th Sep 2001.

SCHOOLS could be forced to cut back the number of post-16 courses available to students due to a new funding formula.

The Learning and Skills Council is to take responsibility for providing the funds to schools with sixth forms from April, 2002.

But members of Worcestershire County Council's education/lifelong learning panel heard that each course would have a different level of funding.

Subjects that require more technical support or training would receive greater funding than those which rely on textbook teaching.

The panel, which met yesterday, heard there was also an added incentive for schools to ensure pupils completed the course.

Schools would receive funding depending on how many pupils studied a certain course, how many stayed on the course and how many completed a course.

Some members of the panel thought schools could suffer from this new concept.

"Payments by results is going to have grave consequences on cash flow," said Councillor Tom Wareing.

Worried

The portfolio holder for education, Councillor June Longmuir, said she too was worried about the consequences.

"Every time something doesn't quite work we'll be picking up the results," she said.

"I worry money to schools is being suggested to be back-dated.

"The breadth of the curriculum will be controlled by its budget.

"If the budget is late in coming you have to wonder whether the breadth of curriculum can be as wide as it wants."

The panel heard the new funding formula could see sixth forms within schools separating from the main part of the school.

"You could see younger pupils not getting the benefits and skills of staff," said Coun Longmuir.

"Pupils couldn't be encouraged to stay on to sixth form because there isn't a driving force."

The panel decided it would like to hear regular updates from the Learning and Skills Council as to decisions it makes.