SCHOOLS and colleges which offer joint A-level and vocational courses have found a cost-effective way of widening study options, according to a report from the Office for Standards in Education and the Further Education Education Funding Council.
However, it suggests the failure to form partnerships is often due to staff wishing to retain their personal hold over sixth-form teaching. They are also reluctant to compromise over timetables and other organisational arrangements.
The report suggests the Department for Education and Employment should consider converging the funding of post-16 courses in schools and colleges and making allowances for the additional costs of partnerships.
Post-16 collaboration: school sixth forms and the further education sector. A joint report by OFSTED and FEFC inspectorate.
