Following the Final Report of the Working Group on 14-19 Reform, the Government published the 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper on 23 February 2005. It sets out a 10-year reform and delivery programme. The aim of the reform is to develop an education and training system which:

• Secures the basics
• Stretches every pupil to their full potential
• Offers a high-quality vocational route
• Re-motivates the disengaged
• Prepares all young people for the world of work

The White Paper is available on the Online Publications for schools website. See also the DCSF press release from 23 February 2005.

Background
The publication 14-19: Opportunity and Excellence sets out the Government's aim to transform the learning experience for young people, so that by the age of 16 they are committed to continued learning, whether in school, college or the workplace. There are a variety of initiatives focusing on improving post 14 learning including:

• 14 - 19 Pathfinders
  • Pathfinders are designed to test local delivery of 14-19 education and training in a range of settings, building on the increasingly distinctive specialisms of local schools, colleges and training providers.
• Connexions
  • Connexions is the advice and support service for all young people aged between 13 and 19. It works with young people in or out of learning or employment, and with schools, colleges, training providers and employers, to raise participation and access to learning. It helps them gain the qualifications they need for further education and work.
• The Specialist Schools initiative
  • The Specialist Schools Programme helps schools, in partnership with private sector sponsors and supported by additional Government funding, to establish distinctive identities through their chosen specialisms and achieve their targets to raise standards. Specialist schools have a special focus on their chosen subject area, but must meet the full National Curriculum requirements and deliver a broad and balanced education to all pupils.
• Post-16 Standards Unit
  • One of its jobs is to boost the quality of teaching and learning in the post-16 curriculum, including in schools with sixth forms. The Unit’s second task is to help develop the workforce of the learning and skills sector.
    

Guidance and further information
Follow links in Web Links below to:

• DCSF 14 - 19 website which provides access to downloadable copies of 14-19 Opportunity and Excellence, including a version for young people and information on consultation responses
• DCSF 14 - 19 Pathfinders webpages which provide information on the work of Pathfinders in identifying
• Success For All which provides access to information on the post-16 Standards Unit

For more information see the Connexions website (via Web Links below) or the GovernorNet article on Connexions via the link in Background below.

Further information on the Post-16 Standards Unit and the Specialist Schools Programme are available by following the links to the relevant GovernorNet articles in Background below.