UK College Sector Demands More Funding To Cope With Demand Amid High GCSE Grades

Education leaders in the UK say the Government must provide extra funding to help sixth forms cope with a surge in demand for places after record numbers of students were awarded top GCSE grades.

The proportion of GCSE UK entries awarded the top grades – at least a 7 or an A – reached an all-time high (28.9%) this year after results were determined by teachers amid cancelled exams.

Some 77.1% of UK entries achieved at least a 4 or a C – another record high, compared to 76.3% in 2020 and 67.3% in 2019.

Deputy chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, James Kewin, called on ministers to boost funding for sixth forms so they can expand, as well as support students who may need additional help when they start their post-16 qualifications in the autumn after Covid-19 disruption.

He told the PA news agency that the growing popularity of many sixth forms and colleges coupled with the demographic increase in 16 to 18-year-olds has meant that many institutions are already at or near full capacity.

Kewin criticised the Government for not providing more catch-up support to sixth form students who have been affected by months of missed learning.

He said many students that have received their GCSE results this week will need additional support when they enter the sixth form.

General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton, said it is unclear at this stage what impact this week’s GCSE results will have on applications for school sixth forms and sixth form colleges.