We are very lucky in this part of the country to have some truly excellent colleges available for our 16 to 18-year-olds, including two of the largest and most successful colleges in the country. So it will come as a surprise to many people that teachers within these colleges have NOT been awarded the same 5.5% pay rise that has been offered to teachers within schools and academised colleges. The government have promised £1.2billion to fund a 5.5% pay rise to teachers within schools, school sixth-forms and academised colleges, however, they have failed to include funding for the 40 non-academised sixth-form colleges in the country, three of which are located in Hampshire and attended by many young people from Romsey and surrounding areas.

Schools and sixth-form colleges are state-funded public sector bodies, yet colleges receive 22% less funding than schools. I wonder if readers are also aware that, despite their public sector status, sixth-form colleges are required to pay VAT and are not currently granted a VAT exemption similar to that afforded to private schools for so long. Nevertheless, sixth-form colleges represent one of the highest-performing sectors in education.

With the number of 16 to 18-year-olds set to rise, sixth-form colleges play a vital role in increasing life chances of young people as well as driving national economic and skills growth. After a decade of cuts from the previous government, including a 19% real-terms pay cut, if we want our young people to continue to benefit from outstanding post-16 educational provision it is essential colleges are treated in line with schools through equal pay, funding and respect.  

C. Reeves

Field Close 

Romsey

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