6/ We look forward to working with Government and our college partners to help develop and deliver high-quality, equitable post-16 English and maths education in line with these reforms.

5/ We hope these positive steps are taken further in the near future by the introduction of a 16-19 Student Premium – an extension of the existing Pupil Premium, which supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds up to age 16, but ends two years before the end of their compulsory education.

4/ We also welcome the Government’s commitments to:
📚 Enhanced CPD opportunities for FE teachers.
📊 Continuing to build the evidence about what works for this education phase.
📈 Increased funding rates for English and maths.
📝 Sensible updates to resit guidance and accountability measures.

3/ This change marks an important shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach to GCSE resits, towards a more equitable, evidence-based model that meets learners where they are and supports them to move forward with confidence.

2/ Through our work with the CAR panel, we proposed a GCSE stepping stone as a vital mechanism to ensure every learner who leaves school without a standard pass in English and maths has a fair chance to make meaningful progress as part of their 16-19 education - no matter their starting point.

3/ Come and join the conversation:
📅 Tuesday 30th September 2025
🕙 10:00am
📍 Meeting Room 13

2/ Alice will spotlight the transformative role of tutoring in helping students who leave school without English and maths GCSE to catch up, and the urgent need for better funding to support evidence-based interventions in post-16 education.

4/ Instead, coupled with sufficient funding, we need targeted reforms that help students with low prior attainment make real progress toward GCSE success. Details of our GCSE reform proposal can be found linked in the blog above 👆

3/ However, we are concerned by the proposed three-route study model for students who leave school without English and maths. Evidence from international counterparts shows most young people can achieve a grade 4 if given the right support, and we shouldn't give up on this ambition.

2/ We welcome the recommended introduction of a 16–19 Student Premium. Half of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds leave school without GCSE English & maths, yet funding to support them drops sharply at age 16. We’re pleased the committee backs efforts to close this gap.

5/ This programme's success is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in giving students extra support. You can catch our segment on Midlands Today on BBC iPlayer (7:24 mins in): www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

4/ It was fantastic to celebrate this with a BBC visit. We were so proud of students Bethany and James for sharing their experiences. It was also great to hear SCCB Principal Mike Hopkins and Rigby Foundation Executive Director Sonia Chhatwal talk about how important the programme is for the region.

3/ Thanks to funding from The Rigby Foundation, our programme gave students free access to personalised, small-group tuition support, and the impact was clear:

Pass rates for students on the programme were:
🌟 25% higher than the regional average in English.
🌟 An incredible 59% higher in maths.

2/ The West Midlands has some of the highest numbers of young people leaving school without GCSE English / maths. This means colleges in the region play a vital role in helping students gain the skills, knowledge, and qualifications they need to progress into further study, training, and employment.

Attending the AELP National Conference next week? Come and speak to us at stand 26! We’d love to tell you more about our work. If not, reach out to Annabel Richardson to set up a call: annabel.richardson@getfurther.org.uk

Our programme offers 55 hours of fully resourced, small-group tuition to learners working toward, or about to begin, an apprenticeship. We’re always keen to connect with like-minded individuals & organisations who are passionate about lifelong learning & want to explore how we can support.

Through our FSQ Tuition Programme, we are proud to work with employers and providers who share our commitment to giving learners opportunities to build vital skills and earn valuable qualifications.

The recent removal of English and maths exit requirements, alongside cuts to adult education funding, has made it harder for many to gain the literacy and numeracy skills and qualifications that unlock career opportunities and progression.