Half the 182 colleges surveyed in a major study published today said that student numbers had dropped this year. The axeing of education maintenance allowances (EMAs) is cited as the main reason for the fall in numbers.
The research is the first in-depth study of the impact of the Government’s decisions to cut EMAs and it also blames cuts n transport subsidies for the fall, which in one in four colleges was said to be up to 15 per cent.
The Connexions careers service has also been cut which, according to Martn Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges means that “there will be little colleges can do to encourage ...(students) back into education.”
At a time when the number of young people out of work has hit the million mark, it seems perverse that young people are not encourage to stay on for vocational training.
According to the report there were 600 fewer students enrolled on courses in further education and specialist colleges where students would be likely to opt for vocational courses, such as sport and leisure, hair and beauty and construction.
Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: "As youth unemployment soars towards record levels, the Government needs to urgently reassess its priorities and make access to education easier for the poorest in society. Better transport subsidies and free meals for the poorest students would [be a] step in the right direction."
The Education Secretary, Michael Gove said that EMAs would be replaced by more targeted funding at a lower cost.
For more information, please contact Glazers, Chartered Accountants London or visit www.glazers.co.uk
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