FUNDING BOOST FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS IN BURNLEY

Julie Cooper has welcomed additional funding for sixth forms, college and training places in Burnley to ensure every school leaver can stay on in learning this autumn.

The extra funding from the Labour government for the 2010/11 academic year will ensure that every school leaver aged 16 and 17 has a guaranteed place in school, college, training or an apprenticeship this year.

Burnley will get a share of the 5,150 additional places in school sixth forms, further education colleges and training being funded across the North West. The extra places are in addition to the increase in places last year to cope with increased demand due to the global recession.

 

 

“During the recession the extra investment in education and training places for young people in Burnley is more important than ever before. As a result of extra funding announced in the Budget and Pre-Budget Report last year, every 16 and 17 year old in Burnley will have a guaranteed place in school, college, training or an apprenticeship this September.

“Labour’s school leavers guarantee means all young people will have the opportunity to get the skills and qualifications they need to get on in life and get a good job, whether their strengths are practical, academic or both. That’s why we’re expanding apprenticeships and training places, as well as in sixth forms and colleges for different courses like Diplomas and A levels.

 

“Sadly, but not surprisingly, the Tories refuse to match Labour’s guarantee for school leavers and refuse to match the extra funding to go with it. That would mean 5,150 fewer places for young people across the North West this September.

“By cutting this vital investment now, the Tories seem determined to repeat the mistakes of the recessions of the 1980s and early 1990s when a whole generation of young people were abandoned.”

“And as well as cutting the number of places in education, training or apprenticeships, the Tories also oppose the new Diploma qualifications which combine practical and theoretical learning. The Tories seem to think it’s OK if only some young people who are academic get good qualifications, but these days everybody needs a skill. That’s why we need to keep investing in our young people and Labour’s school leavers guarantee will make sure all young people, and not just some, get the opportunities and chances they deserve.”

 

For more information please contact 01282 423001

 

 

 

2. Despite seven letters to Michael Gove from DCSF Ministers, the Tories have repeatedly refused to match Labour’s September Guarantee for school leavers or the extra funding announced in the 2009 Budget and Pre-Budget Report to expand places this year and next year.

 

3. They cannot match Labour’s school leavers guarantee because the shadow chancellor George Osborne has made clear that the Tories would cut Labour’s investment in schools and 16-19 learning if they are elected.

 

“Nick Robinson: Are you protecting schools?

George Osborne: I'm not protecting other areas at this stage.

NR: Are you protecting Sure Start?

GO: I'm not protecting other areas.”