Report

Augar reviewed

Think tank: EDSK

Author(s): Tom Richmond; Eleanor Regan

July 24, 2024

This report from UK think tank EDSK discusses why post-18 education in England is still broken and how to fix it.

Our post-18 education system will never reach its full potential in terms of driving economic growth and productivity if full-time university degrees continue to be placed on a pedestal above other qualifications and courses.

Vital as universities are for delivering education and training, it is time to end the enduring bias towards Higher Education in the way that we fund institutions and students.

While the political focus on the financial health of universities is understandable, this report argues that the Government would be much better off using its resources to build an integrated Higher Education, Further Education and apprenticeship system so that learners of all ages and at all levels can find the right pathway for them.

Devolving powers over post-18 education to Combined Authorities offers the perfect vehicle for this integration because local leaders can bring universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and other institutions together in a collective effort to create a more skilled workforce.