The strong case for greater investment in further education made by the Augar review has been praised by leading figures from across the sector. 

The report, published this morning, called for colleges to be given at least £1 billion in capital funding, and for the creation of a “lifelong learning loan allowance", among its recommendations covering FE, HE and apprenticeships.

At the launch of the report, prime minister Theresa May said it was time to "put right the errors of the past" and give greater investment and support to the "overlooked, undervalued and underfunded" FE sector.

Read more: Augar review: Give colleges £1bn and freeze HE funding

Opinion: Why the post-18 review still matters for colleges

Background: What is the post-18 review and what does it mean for FE?

'Great news for our country'

The independent panel behind the report was chaired by former banker Philip Augar. One of the members was Bev Robinson, principal of Blackpool and the Fylde College.

She told Tes: “I think the implementation of these recommendations would be great news for our country. They are only going to aid social equity.”

Ms Robinson also addressed the report’s calls for restructuring of colleges to “minimise duplication”, with smaller colleges in rural and semi-rural areas encouraged to “form or join groups in order to ensure sustainable quality provision in the long term". This came in response to research of how tertiary education is structured in high-performing countries.

She said: “Where countries do well in technical education, there is a national network of institutions which are very much aligned to the needs of their economy. Colleges have been doing this for many years, but perhaps not consistently in all parts of the country.”

'Ladder of opportunity for all'

Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, said:  “I welcome the Augar review, particularly the focus on skills, further education and lifelong learning. It is absolutely right that further education needs a boost in terms of financial resources and support from government.

"The education committee’s report on value for money in higher education stressed the importance of social justice, skills and good graduate outcomes for all students. The reintroduction of maintenance grants for those on lower incomes goes some way towards helping disadvantaged students, but there is still more that needs to be done to boost degree apprenticeships. These provide the best ladder of opportunity for all, while helping to meet our nation’s skills needs.”

Ending 'financial and political neglect'

Josh Hardie, deputy director-general of the CBI, welcomed the report’s “honest and thoughtful look at England’s post-18 education system”.

“The stark lack of technical and vocational options for people often frustrates employer,” he added. “Ending the financial and political neglect of the further education sector is therefore long overdue. With further education funding squeezed significantly in recent years, the government’s Spending Review is as an opportunity to make the much-needed investment.”

'Excellent focus on FE'

Mark Dawe, chief executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, welcomed the report’s “excellent focus on FE”, as well as the speech by Theresa May this morning.

“To have the prime minister talk so much about FE is a first, I think,” he said. “More money and more parity [with HE] is a great baseline to have discussions on delivery – whether it’s classroom-based or work-based. Let’s make sure the investment goes into the right place for individuals.”

Mr Dawe also welcomed the proposal to give Ofsted responsibility for all apprenticeships. At present, the inspectorate has responsibility for apprenticeships from level 2 to level 5, with those at level 6 and 7 regulated by the Office for Students. “The need for a strong, well-incentivised level 4 and level 5 provision through the further education system is a focus that is also sorely needed,” he added.

Addressing 'collapse' in participation

Tom Bewick, chief executive of the Federation of Awarding Bodies, welcomed the report’s acknowledgement that “the reduction of investment in 16- to 19-year olds and adult budgets has led to the collapse in learner participation levels at levels 2 and 3”.

“This has clearly affected social mobility for citizens and hampered improvements in workforce productivity. We therefore welcome the recommendation for a lifelong learning loan allowance for individuals to attain a qualification up to level 3, regardless of age,” he added.

A 'big step' forward

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said the fact that a prime minister was “advocating a reinvigoration of FE as a vital step” was a “big step” forward for the sector. “Just the new PM to persuade now & we’ll have a full house,” he tweeted.

ACL providers 'loving it'

Sue Pember, director of policy and external relations at Holex, also tweeted that she was “loving” the report, highlighting the 10 mentions of adult and community learning and describing it as a “great base to develop a lifelong learning strategy” from.

Barriers to social mobility and productivity

Ruth Spellman, CEO of adult education charity The WEA, said: “We are pleased to hear that the review believes post-18 education should be a lifelong experience available to all, irrespective of age, situation or income.

“The introduction of the lifelong entitlement is welcome as it signals that adult and community learning is important and that the review is looking broader than young adults. 

“We are glad the review acknowledges the real-term decline of the adult education budget and that the funding changes have created a barrier to both social mobility and productivity and welcome the recommendation to address this by restoring full funding for the first ‘full’ level 2 qualification, for those who are 24 and over and who are employed.”

Benefits of report's delays?

Dominic Blythe, audit director and further education specialist at consultancy RSM, said the long delays in the publication of the report – which was launched in February 2018 – could actually work in the FE sector’s favour.

“Whilst the delay in the spending review this year has been frustrating for many in the sector, it could work in their favour if the Augar review recommendations are factored into the next spending review,” he said. “However, any implementation of recommendations will be dependent on the next prime minister and their priorities; so many in the sector will be watching the current leadership election closely.”

Tory leadership contender

Of the leadership candidates, home secretary Sajid Javid was quick to respond. He tweeted that FE “was a huge priority for me” during his tenure as business secretary and “would be if I were PM”.