After nearly two decades of working in tandem, albeit at a structural distance, Sixth Form Colleges are entering into a new relationship with local authorities.  From April 2010, local authorities assume responsibility for planning and commissioning all 16-19 education, and also for the performance management of Sixth Form Colleges.  This ushers in a new and exciting era for the sector.

Inevitably there will be a transitional period as Sixth Form Colleges get to grips both with a new planning and funding process and being a new and distinct form of educational institution.  The SFCF’s historical close ties with local government have already resulted in a Protocol between the Forum and the Local Government Association that sets out how the new arrangements will work.

But the SFCF sees a more proactive relationship stretching into the future.  The new alignment creates more fertile ground for the expansion of the sector.  The Forum believes that the educational, economic and ‘community’ arguments in favour of Sixth Form Colleges are irresistible.  It is intending to expand its advocacy and consultancy activity in order, first, to explain to local authorities without a Sixth Form College in their area why they should consider one and, secondly, to support them in the planning and implementation of a strategy to develop a Sixth Form College by giving them access to the wealth of experience within the membership.

Two new Sixth Form Colleges are currently being developed. Rochdale opened in September 2010 and Lowestoft in September 2011.