Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to widen access to technical education for young people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.

The government provides over £18 billion a year for post-16 education and skills, representing record investment this Parliament. This supports young people across the country, including in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, to access education and training opportunities.

Support includes additional funding for disadvantaged learners, recognising the extra resources needed to help them engage, progress and succeed. Total 16 to 19 funding will increase to around £9 billion in 2026/27. Financial support through bursaries and adult learner support funding helps students overcome barriers such as travel, equipment and childcare costs.

We are also ensuring a broad range of high-quality academic, technical and vocational pathways, investing up to £1.7 billion in modern college facilities by 2030 and a further £485 million over two years to help colleges address staffing pressures.

In addition, 29 Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) will receive £295 million this Parliament. Newcastle and Stafford College Group has been selected as one of four Advanced Manufacturing TECs, helping develop specialist skills and support learners into well-paid jobs.