'GOVERNMENT MUST MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR SOLIHULL SIXTH-FORM STUDENTS' - BURT

2.45.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Apr 2009

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has written to Education Minister, Jim Knight calling on him to fully fund the increase in the numbers of sixth-form students across the borough amidst fears that per capita budgets will be cut.

"In a letter received from the Learning and Skills Council at the end of last month, colleges were told that per capita funding for sixth form pupils would be cut for this academic year, putting real strain on their finances," said Lorely.

"The planned settlement for Solihull Sixth Form College would result in a 2% per capita cut in funding for 16-18 year old students, wiping around £ 150,000 from the College budget - the equivalent of funding for 4-5 teaching posts or 50 students for the entire year.

"Cuts of this order would clearly be very damaging as increasing numbers of young people seek to enrol for courses to improve their employment prospects in a shrinking jobs market.

"In a statement, the Minister has now said that the letter was a mistake and that he would 'consider options for further funding'.

"I have written asking him to ensure that the increase in student numbers is fully funded across the board. It does not inspire confidence when Principals are told out of the blue that their per capita funding will be cut when they have already budgeted for the year ahead."