Record Success rates in FE Colleges
9th May 2007
Record Success Rates in Further Education
Success rates in the Further Education sector increased dramatically in 2005/06, beating a number of Government targets. Figures released today by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in a Statistical First Release (SFR) which gives details of learner outcomes, show that the success rate target for FE colleges has been passed two years early, with rates increasing by 2 percentage points to 77 per cent in 2005/06, which exceeds the LSC's target of achieving a 76 per cent success rate by 2007/08. This means that for every 100 courses started, 77 result in success with a qualification being achieved. In the past 6 years, success rates in colleges have risen by over 20 per cent and now over three-quarters of students are achieving qualifications.
The results show that the sector is responding well to the skills challenges set out by Lord Leitch and the LSC's agenda for change which aims to raise the reputation of FE by encouraging excellence, economic success and simplification.
There have also been significant improvements made in the number of young people completing Apprenticeships. Success rates for full Apprenticeship programmes have increased by 13 percentage points over one year from 40 per cent in 2004/05 to 53 per cent for 2005/06. Work Based Learning success rates are now within striking distance of 59 per cent, which is the 2007/08 target.
Full Level 2 success rates for 16-18 year olds are up by 5 percentage points to 66 per cent and for adults by 6 percentage points to 65 per cent. Level 2 is the minimum level of qualifications needed to gain employment and get on in life.
The figures were contained in a Statistical First Release which gives details on learner outcomes (success, retention and achievement rates) for the academic year 2005/06.
Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the LSC said:
"These figures show the massive achievement that all those in the further education sector have made in driving up quality in post-16 education and training. Over the last six years, success rates in FE colleges have risen by over 20 percentage points from 56 per cent in 1999/2000 to the present level of 77 percent.
"Behind the figures lies the real story, which is that more and more young people and adults are getting the qualifications that they need to succeed in life. Getting these vital qualifications can make a real and lasting difference to people's lives. I would like to congratulate all of our partners in the sector, learners and employers for their hard work".
Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell said:
"This Government is transforming Further Education. In just 6 years success rates in colleges have risen by over 20 per cent and now over three-quarters of all students are achieving qualifications. We are working with employers, communities and the FE system to create a culture of learning. The increase in success rates shows colleges and providers are responding positively to the skills challenges we face.
"Success rates are rising due both to better retention and higher achievement. To build on this and meet the aspirations set out in last year's review of skills by Lord Leitch we are working towards meeting stretching targets and pushing for further improvement. For 2010/11 we are looking to achieve success rates of 80 per cent in colleges."
FE
· Overall success rates for all FE institutions have increased from 74% in 2004/05 to 76.2% in 2005/06.
· Success rate target for FE colleges has been met two years ahead of schedule - success rates for FE colleges have risen to 77% in 2005/06 (up from 75% in 2004/05) and so has exceed the target of 76% set for 2007/08.
· In the past 6 years, success rates in colleges have risen by over 20% from 56% in 1999/2000 to 77% in 2005/06
· Full Level 2 success rates for 16-18 year olds are up by 5 percentage points to 66% in 2005/06 and for adults by 6 percentage points to 65%.
WBL
· For all frameworks or NVQs – the success rate was 60% in 2005/06 compared with 53% in 2004/05. This figure includes learners of all ages, NVQs at all levels and all apprenticeship frameworks.
· Success rates for full Apprenticeship frameworks have increased by 13 percentage points, from 40% in 2004/05 to 53% in 2005/06
· WBL success rates are now within striking distance of 59%, which is the 2007/08 target. In year figures for 2006/07 suggest that this target is likely to be exceeded one year early.
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