Implementing the 2019 review of post-18 education and funding
Advice to the Prime Minister on the implementation of the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding, chaired by Dr Philip Augar:
In a letter to the Prime Minister sent 23rd September 2020, “Implementing the 2019 review of post-18 education and funding” the Council for Science and Technology (CST) highlights 4 challenges that must be considered in post-18 education reform, including:
- the need to train individuals across multiple disciplines to support future economic growth
- addressing the skills mismatch between jobs and employers
- supporting individuals who don’t choose to enter higher education but require training to support career goals
- the need for an education system that provides lifelong learning opportunities
The advice also outlines 2 principles that should be integrated into post-18 education:
- developing a system that serves a diversity of learners
- promoting a coherent, integrated education system that offers relevant, high-quality education to all
Read the post-18 review of education and funding, and the Sector Response to the Augar Review.
Prime Minister’s response
17 November 2020
Dear Sir Patrick vallance and Dame Nancy,
Thank you for your letter of 23 September, about the 2019 Review of Post-l8 Education and funding, as well as your insightful views on the recommendations. The Government wants the higher education sector to focus relentlessly on outcomes for the individual, on skills for the nation and on rigorous academic standards. We would agree that excellent outcomes are key to filling our productivity gap, fuelling our economy and creating opportunities.
The Government further believes that a fair and open post-16 education system is vital to offering genuine opportunity and levelling up, with equity of vocational and academic routes. Beyond that, post-l6 education has an essential role to play in driving economic recovery and future prosperity.
The Government has been considering the Augar Report and its recommendations carefully. We plan to respond to the report alongside the Spending Review, providing the sector and students with certainty about the future of post-16 education and funding. The upcoming Further Education White Paper will also form part of our response at the Spending Review.
The Department for Education welcomes the Council for Science and Technology’s perspective and your positive comments so far. The Department would be happy to discuss arrangements for a specific session to further explore the Council’s views.
Boris Johnson, THE PRIME MINISTER
Responses