Sixth Forms

RCT is conducting a review of the secondary schools in the Rhondda. There has been a lot of scaremongering about this by one of the minor parties locally. It is obviously right that the local authority thinks about sixth form provision and how it is planned. I regularly visit the secondary schools in the Rhondda, and support their continuation. I have also spoken up in support of the continuation of sixth forms, and raised the issue of sixth forms yesterday with the Education Minister:

Leighton Andrews: Minister, you will be aware of my commitment to the continuation of sixth-form education in the Rhondda, not least from my time on the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee. Will you confirm today your view that sixth forms have an important part to play within the provision of 16 to 19 education, but that it is right that responsible local authorities look at their 16 to 19 provision from time to time? That process of consultation, however, is not helped by irresponsible minor parties scaremongering to parents about the likely outcomes.

Jane Davidson: I absolutely confirm that sixth forms have a continuing major role to play in education in Wales, as have colleges and work-based learning providers. We want to ensure that all 16 to 19-year-olds have the best possible opportunities at a local level to develop their talents. That is what the 14 to 19 agenda is about. It is incumbent upon us all to be responsible on these issues, because we know that any talks about changes in school settings become emotional. It is important that everybody hears the education argument, one way or another, and that decisions are finally made with regard to the education provision