Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support (a) schools and (b) trusts to (i) establish and (ii) expand sixth forms offering academic qualifications in (A) areas with unmet demand and (B) other areas.

New or expanded school sixth form provision needs to improve choice and attainment for all pupils. Academies wishing to add sixth form places can do so by applying to the department to make a significant change, demonstrating a clear need for additional places in the area. Maintained schools must follow the statutory process for making prescribed alterations.

In the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, published on 23 June 2025, the government announced a further £375 million of capital investment between 2026/27 and 2029/30 to support post-16 capacity to accommodate additional learners entering the system. Further details on this funding will be announced in due course.