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Explore the historical division of Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) in England and Scotland, their unique contributions, contemporary configurations, and the implications of sector separation on participation and equity. Dive into the evolving landscape of dual-sector universities, mixed economy colleges, and cross-sector partnerships. Analyze the partnerships, funding, and progression opportunities within the FE:HE sectors. Reflect on potential challenges and opportunities post-2010 in light of policy changes and demographic shifts.
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Further, Higher, Better? Gareth Parry University of Sheffield
Why divide, and does it matter? • a long-standing feature? • an English peculiarity? • an issue for public policy?
Some policy history ... 1944: an FE system + the universities 1966: colleges-polytechnics + the universities 1988: FE + polytechnics + the universities 1992: FE + HE 2000: L&S + HE
Staying with sectors ... Policy silence, except for: • the uniqueness of HE • the disorder of post-16
From elite to mass: the FE contribution • England: a ‘qualifying’ rather than ‘providing’ role for FE • Scotland: a leading role for FE in taking HE expansion
From mass to near-universal access: the FE contribution • England: breaking the traditional pattern of demand, with dual sectors (‘the English experiment’) • Scotland: holding at 50%, with tertiary arrangements
Contemporary configurations of FE and HE • mixed economy colleges • dual-sector universities • cross-sector partnerships
Dual-sector universities FE:HE TVU 60:40 Leeds Metropolitan University 45:55 University of the Arts 50:50 University of Derby 40:60 Writtle College 90:10 Birmingham CFTCS 80:20
Semi-compulsory partnerships • for validation • for (indirect) funding • for (increasing & widening) participation • for (vocational) progression: Lifelong Learning Networks, with additional funded numbers
So, do sectors matter? • no restraint on partnerships • functional for some • a check on mission drift? but: • asymmetries of policy and power • ‘double stratification’: social & institutional • a common enterprise?
After 2010? • spending review • fee deregulation • demographic downturn
The ESRC FurtherHigher Project Why do the English divide? With what effect on organisations? With what impact on participation and equity? k.kitchen@sheffield.ac.uk