Providers have been asked to submit evidence as part of the government’s review of post-18 education.

Prime minister Theresa May announced a review of tertiary education at Derby College last month and called for a change in the attitude that vocational training is “something for other people’s children”.

The independent panel will publish their report at an interim stage and the review will conclude in early 2019.

‘No preconceptions’

An independent panel is to be chaired by Philip Augar, with the principal of Blackpool and The Fylde College, Bev Robinson, one of five panel members.

“This is an ambitious and wide-ranging review,” Mr Augar said. “We begin with no preconceptions. Our priority is to undertake a thorough examination of the evidence and to hear from a broad range of stakeholders who like us are committed to ensuring the system works for everyone.

“I very much hope that many of you will contribute to our call for evidence so that the review will be able to deliver a system that incentivises choice and competition, improves access and delivers the skills the economy needs in a way that provides value for students and taxpayers.”

Four areas for consideration

The panel is seeking views from all interested parties on the four areas it has been asked to consider:

• Choice - Identifying ways to help people make more effective choices between the different options available after 18, so they can make more informed decisions about their futures.
• Value for money - Looking at how students and graduates contribute to the cost of their studies, to ensure funding arrangements across post-18 education in the future are transparent and do not stop people from accessing higher education or training.
• Access - Enabling people from all backgrounds to progress and succeed in post-18 education, while also examining how disadvantaged students receive additional financial support from the government, universities and colleges.
• Skills provision - making sure we have a post-18 education system that is providing the skills that employers need.
   

The call for evidence will run until 2 May. 

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