“My ministers will ensure that all young people have access to an excellent education, unlocking their full potential and preparing them for the world of work.”
This was the extent to which education featured in the Queen’s Speech, offering precious little by way of insight into the Conservatives' plans for further education.
However, the background briefing document published by the government did at least mention further education – although there was no mention of any new policy.
Background: £400m boost for colleges: 16-18 funding finally raised
News: Welcome to education’s newest exclusive club: T levels
Opinion: 'Weird and wonderful': why Williamson's speech matters
Further education in the Queen's Speech
- "We want to bring renewed focus to further and technical education, and will ensure our post-16 education system is well funded and organised in a way that enables young people and adults to gain the skills required for success and to help the economy."
- "This means an extra £400 million for 16-to 19-year-old education next year, an increase of 7 per cent overall in 16-to 19-year-old funding and the biggest injection of new money in a single year since 2010."
- "This will enable further education colleges and school sixth forms to strengthen their provision. It will also include additional investment in T levels, supporting continued preparation for these courses and the initial delivery from September 2020."
- "This means that funding is increasing even faster for 16-to 19-year-old education than for five-to 16-year-old education."
- "We have established City Region Mayors across England and devolved key powers over transport, planning and skills. We want to do more devolution deals, level up powers and invest further in infrastructure."
- "The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will operate across the UK."
