Specialist colleges have warned the government that its controversial English and maths resit reforms are an “unwieldy demand” for SEND learners and could increase dropout rates.
An overwhelming majority of SEND colleges (91 per cent) in a new survey published today by the National Association of Specialist Colleges (Natspec) have condemned the “dictated hours” announced last month.
Under the new rules from 2025, post-16 providers must teach students a minimum of three hours a week of English and four hours of maths if they failed to achieve a pass in the subjects at GCSE, or risk losing funding. Teaching must be “whole class” and “in person”.
Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities and an EHC plan, who are assessed as unable to study towards either GCSE, functional skills or stepping stone qualifications, can be made exempt from the condition.
