recommendation of FE inspectors when a crackdown on teaching standards starts in April next year. Tougher and more frequent inspections will aim to assess whether sixth forms are of adequate standard and value for money, compared with local FE colleges. Those considered unviable will be recmmended for closure.

Schools spend an average pound;1,500 extra per A-level student and moves to bring the funding of schools and colleges into line were removed in the final draft of the Learning and Skills Bill for post-16 reforms, now before Parliament. But ministers have agreed that measures can be introduced under existing legislation.