AQW 13153/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 10/06/2024
Answered On Date: 14/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on his Department’s work on a draft vision statement and guiding principles for Sixth Form provision.

Answer:

There are a range of individual policies and strategies impacting upon Sixth Form provision in schools, including the Entitlement Framework, qualifications, funding, transport, admissions and area planning.

An internal review of the 6th Form baseline position has been completed. This has involved a review of the evidence base, carrying out additional analysis and looking at strategic approaches in other jurisdictions.

A document that will form the basis of further engagement with stakeholders is currently being drafted. It will articulate the issues that have been raised and propose a draft strategic vision statement and guiding principles for sixth form provision.

During the consultation phase the department will ensure it engages fully with all key stakeholders.

I recently met with the Minister for the Economy where we discussed our approach to the work and our shared priorities within the 14-19 Framework. We have prioritised careers and have tasked officials from our departments to produce a joint programme of work. On the wider framework and its actions, the Minister for the Economy and I will be considering how best to prioritise the other elements of the framework.