The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) has welcomed an allocation of £9.3 million in devolved post-16 capacity funding to help meet the needs of learners in the region.
The funding, allocated by Government to devolved authorities, is designed to expand teaching and learning space in schools and colleges where demand is rising. It will help ensure post‑16 providers can meet growing learner numbers and deliver the skills local employers and communities need.
This additional funding from the Department for Education is designed to support the following objectives:
- to provide additional capacity in statutory 16-19 providers, where there is a demographic increase in learners and there is not enough existing suitable capacity to accommodate that increase.
- to ensure that provision to be delivered through the additional space developed meets local and national skills requirements and is reflective of learner demand and need; and
- to do so in the most efficient and sustainable way possible, to ensure value for money in the investment of public funds, and to support the Government’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions.
The DTCCA, alongside Devon County Council and Torbay Council, is working with partners to create guidance for post-16 capacity funding.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“This £9.3 million investment is an important step in making sure young people across Devon and Torbay have access to the right learning environments. We know that learner numbers are growing, and it’s important our statutory further education colleges and other providers can keep up with demand.”
Cllr Julian Brazil, Vice Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“By expanding post‑16 capacity where it’s most needed, we can align education provision with local and national skills priorities, support our colleges and provide learners with better environments for learning, helping to support those who are not in employment, education or training across Devon and Torbay.”