This volume is the fourth in a series providing statistics about the post-16 learning sector (excluding sixth forms and excluding HE institutions apart from in a few specific tables) in Wales. The main purpose of the publication series is to provide an annual picture of learning which was undertaken in the post-16 learning sector in Wales.
The total number of Welsh domiciled learners was 7.1 per cent lower in 2007/08 than in 2006/07. Allowing for the change in data collection process for ‘Welsh for Adults’ FE learners the estimated net fall in numbers between 2006/07 and 2007/08 was 5.2 per cent.
VQ Day 2009 will take place on June 24th. It will be the second annual event to celebrate vocational achievement in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is working with Fforwm and the National Training Federation for Wales to raise the profile of vocational qualifications and ensure those who achieve vocational success are recognised.
Information on the national training programme for learning coaches has been added to the Welsh Assembly Government website.
Schools, colleges and work based learning providers have attended a conference in Cardiff to be updated on the new qualifications that will be made available to study within the Welsh Baccalaureate from this September. The new Principal Learning and Project qualifications have been developed in partnership with employers and universities.
There were 28,333 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers employed by LEAs, a decrease of 723 since January 2008. There were no vacancies in nursery schools, 43 in primary schools and 54 in secondary schools. The total vacancy rate was 0.4 per cent, up from 0.3 per cent in January 2008.
The number of pupils with a statement of SEN decreased by 1.1 per cent during 2008, bringing the total number with a statement to 14,832 at January 2009. 1,542 pupils were newly assessed during 2008 as requiring a statement. Over 91 per cent (13,535 pupils) of the total pupils with statements at January 2009 were educated within their “home” local authority rather than in other authorities.
The Action Plan does not aim to present a comprehensive listing of all European and International activity being undertaken in Wales. Instead it sets out our core purpose, the overall strategic direction and outlines key priority actions for 2009.
Small business bosses are crying out for new recruits with work-related skills, according to research released in the run up to VQ Day 2009, the national celebration of vocational achievement taking place on 24th June.
The current reforms to school-level education in the UK will have a major impact on higher education according to a report published today (Friday) by Universities UK. The report considers the reforms taking place to school-level education throughout the UK. In England these include changes to existing qualifications at GCSE and A-level and the introduction of major new qualifications, including the diploma and extended project. Wales has the Learning Pathways 14–19 reforms, which include the Welsh Baccalaureate.
A revised framework for the inspection of maintained schools in England was launched by Christine Gilbert, HMCI, at the first of a series of conferences for schools and local authorities. Ofsted is changing the focus and frequency of school inspections to ensure that inspection has the greatest impact possible on school improvement and outcomes for children and young people.
A report published by Universities UK concludes that the process of concentration of research funding continues although it recognises that there is still considerable diversity across the system as a whole. This new report explores the ways in which research concentration in the UK higher education sector has changed over the 14 year period from 1994 to 2007.
