Inequality in English post-16 education

Abstract

Abstract This commentary examines post-16 education in England from the perspective of equity, with a focus on technical education. It describes how the growth of higher education (HE) has disproportionately benefited those from advantaged backgrounds, and argues that a key equity objective should be to improve the quality of the technical alternatives to HE. This objective faces several obstacles, including a fragmented and volatile landscape of technical education, weak funding and a deregulated labour market. Apprenticeship has potential but is hampered by non-compliance with minimum requirements for wages and training. Numeracy and literacy weaknesses are also magnified in the 16–19 phase of education. In response, the report recommends strengthened funding for the technical alternatives to HE, robust enforcement of minimum wage and training requirements for apprentices and better access routes designed to reintegrate weaker performers into the skills system.