Local MP challenges Minister on post 16 learning

On Tuesday 16th March Andrew George met with Further Education Minister Kevin Brennan MP to discuss the cost and opportunities for post 16 education for young people in West Cornwall and particularly those on the Isles of Scilly to study.
 
At present students from the Scillies have no choice but to leave the mainland to study A Levels and follow vocational training courses and attend University.
 
Mr George, who helped to secure funding for Scillonian post 16 students who go away from home to study for their A levels, has raised concerns about the effects of the additional costs of post 18 education and training on the choices and opportunities of young people.
 
The Minister promised to investigate the costs of implications for the Government in its budget if a more generous settlement were needed.
 
Mr George said: “All I am asking is that students for the Islands should be given equal access to all post 16 study as their mainland counterparts, who have the benefit of being able to follow their studies or training while still living at home.”