The debate surrounding the support of disadvantaged young people post-GCSEs has sparked a compelling conversation about our education system's ability to nurture and empower all students. A coalition of social mobility advocates is calling for a 'student premium' to bridge the funding gap that leaves vulnerable students at risk of disengagement and unemployment.
The Funding Cliff Edge
Currently, state-funded schools in England receive additional funding through the pupil premium, which supports children from low-income backgrounds. However, this funding abruptly ends after GCSEs, creating a 'cliff edge' effect that campaigners argue is detrimental to the continued education and development of disadvantaged students.
Pepe Di'Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), highlights the critical need for support beyond GCSEs, stating, "Disadvantaged students don't stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs." This sentiment is echoed by other experts, who emphasize the importance of continued investment in the final years of compulsory education.
Impact and Implications
The coalition estimates that implementing a student premium for 16-19-year-olds would cost approximately £430 million per year from 2027-28. This additional funding would enable sixth forms and colleges to provide targeted interventions, such as tutoring, mentoring, and tailored academic support, particularly in English and maths, which are vital qualifications for future success.
Bill Watkin, the chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, believes this targeted investment would significantly reduce the number of disadvantaged young people disengaging from education after age 16. Sarah Waite, CEO of Get Further, adds that a student premium is long overdue and would play a crucial role in reducing Neet rates and helping young people achieve lifelong success.
A National Scandal
Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, describes the lack of a student premium from age 16 as "one of the great injustices of our education system." He emphasizes that the years post-GCSEs are pivotal in shaping a young person's life chances, and the absence of support during this period is a national scandal.
Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner for England, agrees, stating that closing the disadvantage gap requires ensuring colleges have the resources to support students' transition to adulthood and employment.
Government Response and Future Reforms
The government is considering reforms to deprivation funding, acknowledging concerns about its current targeting. A Department for Education spokesperson highlighted the government's commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity and reaching the prime minister's target for young people's access to apprenticeships, higher training, and university.
While the government's current investment in further education is substantial, the coalition's call for a student premium emphasizes the need for targeted support to address the specific challenges faced by disadvantaged students post-GCSEs.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the student premium highlights a critical juncture in our education system. As we strive for a more equitable and supportive educational landscape, the question of how we invest in and nurture our most vulnerable students post-GCSEs remains a pressing issue. The potential impact of a student premium on reducing Neet rates and improving lifelong success for disadvantaged young people is a compelling argument for reform.
