Ceredigion Cabinet advances feasibility study for Post-16 education options
During a Cabinet meeting held on 07 November 2023, Ceredigion Cabinet Members instructed the Schools and Lifelong Learning Service to carry out a feasibility study in order to give detailed consideration to Option 2 and Option 4 in the 'Review of Post Provision -16 in Ceredigion'.
Option 2: Develop the Current Situation
Post-16 provision would continue at the existing 6 sites. The 6 current Governing Boards would continue with their current roles in terms of governance up to 16 but agree with the Local Authority to form a Strategic Board which would manage the Authority's post-16 budget, ensure suitable arrangements for joint-planning the curriculum and then commissioning the provision from the schools, e-school and other partners.
Option 4: One Centre
This option would offer a more far-reaching change. It would mean closing the current post-16 provision and establishing a Centre of Excellence, involving a range of partners, at one or more suitable geographical sites. A Governing Body independent of the schools would be responsible for the funding and the curriculum and would appoint a small number of core staff to steer and manage the work.
Mr John Hayes was appointed to carry out the feasibility study of Option 2 and Option 4, taking into account in detail the sustainability of post-16 education provision in the County. Mr Hayes consulted with various stakeholders during this period, and the report includes their responses and considerations.
The report was presented and considered by the Learning Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 17 October 2024, and then the Cabinet on 05 November 2024.
The opportunities as well as the strengths, weaknesses and potential threats to both options were discussed and considered in great detail.
Following the discussion at the Cabinet meeting on 05 November, it was agreed with the recommendations namely:
- Approve the proposal to start the process of adopting Option 2, which is to ensure suitable arrangements for joint planning of the Post-16 curriculum, for September 2026.
- Approve the proposal to carry out further investigation into Option 4, in order to give more detailed consideration to establishing a Centre of Excellence (on one or more suitable sites).
Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said: "The main aim of the review was to provide an analysis and appraisal of the current situation in terms of post-16 provision in Ceredigion and to identify sustainable options for the future, together with their possible advantages and disadvantages. It is extremely important that we not only maintain the high standards of education provided to Post-16 pupils in Ceredigion, but strive to improve them, and provide opportunities for pupils to access a wider range of subjects, including vocational subjects."