AoC responds to EPI research on post-16 participation in STEM

Cath Sezen, Director of Education Policy at Association of Colleges, said: “It’s disappointing to see that it’s less likely for pupils from underrepresented groups to go on to study STEM in post-16 education, and we agree that targeted intervention is needed in this area. Careers education and opportunities to access experiences of post-16 STEM courses needs to play a far greater role in pre-16 provision for all young people. We also agree that the curriculum and assessment review must address how access to non-A Level FE provision can be improved, through better transition and information sharing from secondary schools to further education colleges.

“Colleges across the country offer excellent STEM provision for students across a range of courses, including apprenticeships, A Level, vocational and technical qualifications and T Levels, and are experts in providing employer experiences and real-world examples from STEM jobs in practice. As anchor institutions in their communities, they are always ready and willing to share their expertise with local schools to improve understanding of opportunities to study in STEM."