1. Bob Evans bob.evans@lsc.gov.ukob.evans@lsc.gov.uk 0114 267 5031

2. LSC Role & Remit l Planning & funding body responsible for all post 16 education & training provision apart from prescribed HE. l Determined to enable all learners to reach their potential. l Involved in a Strategic Area Review StAR of all post 16 provision, Modern Apprenticeships, Skills Strategy and Work Experience. l Delivering both economic prosperity and social cohesion.

3. The Wider Context l AimHiger & Excellence Challenge. l Employer engagement – ETP. l Foundation Degrees. l Information Advice & Guidance. l Creating & supporting 14-19 reforms.

4. Pattern of Provision

5. The LSC View – (1) l We support the Government’s HE target. l We believe that quality vocational options at 14-19 are equally valid for all pupils. l For schools the new AimHigher must support a fresh approach to provision.

6. LSC View (2) l In HEI’s a new balance has to be struck between the vocational and the academic. l More flexible delivery with a better balance for full and part-time courses. l Employer engagement will increase in significance as curriculum changes are implemented.

7. Our Challenge  In 1979, 374,000 apprentices were trained compared to 200,000 now.  Less than half are AMAs.  Cassels target of 28% with a baseline of 10%.  Only a minority of apprentices complete the NVQ to level 3. And considerably less the full framework.

8. Our Challenge  Limited availability of Foundation degrees – but growing.  Few Creating an integrated HE progression strategy.  Emerging 14-19 strategies but patchy with limited HE progression pathways.

9. Performance our Focus South Yorkshire Target 99/00 (adjusted) 00/0101/02 Estimated 02/03 Position 2004 Target 1. 80% of 49,500 16-18 year olds in structured learning by 2004 ( 39,600 ) 71 ( 34,787 ) 71% (33,256) 71.5% (34,240) 75 ( 37,125 ) 80% (39,627) 2. 80% of 15,708 young people to be at Level 2 by age 19 by 2004 ( 12,566 ) 64% (10,030) 62.3% (9,792) 62 ( 9,800 ) 68 ( 10,660 ) 80% (12,566) 3. 40.5% of 15,708 young people to be at Level 3 by age 19 by 2004 ( 6,362 ) 32.5% (5,112) 30.3% (4,770) n/k 40.5% (6,362)

10. Driving Up Performance

11. Present Position l Little Change in numbers recently / currently engaged in learning. l Significant reduction in those not engaged since leaving school – now less than10%. l Participation patterns in learning remain similar – but more individuals from work poor households now in learning - 17% compared to 5% in 2000. l Learning remains linked to job prospects & employment.

12. Systemic Issues Combination of barriers; l Awareness with HE admissions tutors. l Variability of type of MA frameworks. l Variability of courses in academic requirements. l Low aspiration with MAs to pursue HE – (student debt). l Low level of young people opting for Vocational provision as a pathway to HE.

13. Strategy For South Yorkshire The HE strategy in South Yorkshire is divided into three phases:-  13-16 where the objective is to raise aspirations towards higher education.  16-19 which has transition to, and preparation for, HE as its focus.  19+ which concentrates on pathways and progression routes into HE, especially for learners from non-traditional routes such as Mature Access courses, vocational courses, Modern Apprenticeships, NVQs and community learning routes.

14. Building Pathways l Reflects our interest in enabling people reach their potential. l Offers an opportunity to address the nation’s higher skills needs. l Builds on the reforms of 14-19 provision, vocational GCSE’s and young apprenticeships. l Supports widening participation. l Underpins our aspiration for coherence.