The sixth form phase is undergoing a great deal of change and uncertainty with a number of operational and strategic issues this year that are complex, controversial and difficult to manage.

Running a successful sixth form is consequently more complex than ever and understanding the present landscape and the competing government policies needs to be the first step in this process.

These include:
• changes to the vocational curriculum (including T Levels, the Transition Year and defunding of BTECs)
• lessons from the summer’s exams and university acceptances
• the return of performance tables and other accountability measures
• the impact of the extra 40-hours rule in study programme and associated funding issues.

From a curriculum perspective the potential changes to vocational curriculum are a once in a generation event.

Destinations and progression outcomes for our sixth formers have taken on more significance than ever before with the reductions in university offer-making as seen in the summer. There is a rise in technical destination options such as T Levels, apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and new higher technical programmes. There is new legislation in place to enforce “Access” requirements around alternative sixth form options (in addition to the Baker Clause requirements).

This year also sees the new requirement to increase the study programme by an average of 40 hours and the accountability surrounding this development.

Learning outcomes will include:
• be fully up to date on the latest government policies and thinking that are impacting on the sixth form sector this year
• understand the planned government policies that will affect the sixth form in 20212-23 and subsequent years
• engage in a bit of crystal-ball gazing about what the sixth form landscape might look like in the longer term.

There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas with other attendees.