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LTE Group backs calls for new approach to post-16 education

LTE Group has joined 10 other leading organisations from across the lifelong learning and skills sector in calling for an overhaul of post-16 education.

Produced by the Right 2 Learn (R2L) campaign, the report Future Priorities for Lifelong Learning, Skills and Tertiary Education outlines what the next government needs to do to harness the potential of post-16 education to break down barriers to opportunity and expand life chances across all ages, as well as to unleash productivity and boost economic growth.

The report was launched at the House of Commons on the day on which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the General Election will take place on Thursday 4 July. Stephen Exley, LTE Group’s Head of Policy, PR and Public Affairs, attended the R2L event, which was addressed by Shadow Skills Minister Seema Malhotra.

The R2L report calls on the next government to: 

  • Urgently review all current Department for Education policies on post-16 education, higher education and lifelong learning
     
  • Reform the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) enabling progression to support all who need it
     
  • Produce a sustainable long-term strategy for the post-16 tertiary sector
     
  • Ensure apprenticeships are available across all sectors and implement a new growth levy
     
  • Develop a comprehensive, national all-age Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) service
     
  • Assess and bring together investment related to skills, lifelong learning and post-16 education made by different government departments
     
  • Address the under-investment across post-16 learning, further, higher education and skills
     
  • Regional strategic planning for post-16 education to maximise the benefits of devolution in tandem with initiatives already being planned for skills, apprenticeships and adult education, by elected mayors, combined authorities and local government 
     
  • Lift the current block on maintenance support for distance learners and other vulnerable groups
     
  • Review skills-related tax relief entitlement for employers. 
     

LTE Group CEO John Thornhill said: "We are pleased to support this insightful report, which outlines a series of priority areas which must be addressed by the next government - whichever political party goes on to form it.

As a group of providers operating across FE, HE, apprenticeships, distance learning and prison education, we are keen to share our wide range of expertise to support the next government in driving up productivity, boosting economic growth and improving the life chances of individuals, whatever their background, through education and skills.

The report is also supported by: Birkbeck University of London, Careers England, Career Development Institute, City & Guilds, DMH Associates, Learning & Work Institute, National Education Opportunities Network (NEON), University of Salford, ResPublica, TechUK, Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) and Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE.