The continued decline of the number of higher-level vocational qualifications in England is “bad news” for areas with skills shortages, a government adviser has warned.
Experts said the introduction of higher fees had “severely damaged” the demand for level 4 and 5 provision, while providers had neglected them.
Recent figures published by the Department for Education showed there were 48,500 entrants for level 4 and 5 qualifications to higher education institutions recognised by the English regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), in 2021-22.
This was down from 80,900 in 2015-16 – when comparable statistics began – and a record low for the period.
