NUT survey on Funding for Sixth Form Sector
A survey of 450 NUT members in Sixth Form Colleges showed that an overwhelming 90% believed that funding cuts are impacting negatively on their students’ education. Cuts to staffing and courses, removal of the Education Maintenance Allowance and larger class sizes were all mentioned as contributing factors.
75% of those surveyed believed that funding cuts would narrow the range of subjects offered to students within the next two years.
A further 62% believed that funding cuts for 16-19 qualifications would limit the number of study hours students are funded for and some respondents commented that they felt this situation could worsen.
Half of respondents believed that funding cuts would affect the teaching of practical subjects while only 8% believed the cuts would have no effect on practical subjects.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Kevin Courtney Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“This survey makes for extremely worrying reading. These funding cuts come at a time of the highest ever levels of youth unemployment and on top of the reduction in the EMA and a tripling of university fees. We are failing future generations by this short sighted approach to education. The Government needs to ensure that schools and colleges are properly funded to guarantee a first class education for all our children.
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For further information contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 07879480061
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