On 8th July the Chancellor announced additional funding to support 18- and 19-year old young people leaving school or college this summer. The new guidance states:
“The one-year offer will enable 18 and 19-year-olds leaving education and training who are unable to find employment or work-based training, opportunities to be fully funded to undertake specific level 2 and level 3 qualifications that have been identified as relevant to higher wage returns and economic growth opportunities.”
The published list of courses includes the following level 2 and 3 mathematical or statistical courses:
- Level 3 Core Maths
- AS and A level Mathematics;
- AS and A level Further Mathematics;
- A level Statistics
- AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths
- Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics
The one-year offer will include a £400 uplift per learner to cover the costs of putting on additional courses at short notice, recruiting extra students, and preparing staffing and facilities.
Kevin Lord, AMSP Programme Leader responded to this announcement:
“It is excellent news that the government has made these extra funds available to ensure young people are able to continue with their education and training at this time, when the prospect of employment is potentially reduced by the impact of COVID-19. We are very pleased that the funding highlights the importance of gaining mathematics qualifications in improving students’ opportunities for further study and worthwhile careers.”
Charlie Stripp, MEI Chief Executive added:
“It’s especially encouraging that Core Maths is included in this list. Our world is increasingly dominated by numbers and data, yet many of our young people are unable to use maths and stats with confidence. For students who do not wish to study AS or A level Maths, Core Maths is the answer! It builds from GCSE Maths to give young people the quantitative skills they need to use maths and stats in with confidence in real life contexts. This is crucial for their future success, both in the workplace and for further study, whether academic or vocational.”
Details of how the additional funding will be paid can be found here.