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<p>Area reviews of post-16 education are focused on meeting the needs of learners
in each area, and because they are overseen by steering groups including Chairs and
Principals of colleges as well as local authorities, they are well placed to do this.
The steering group’s discussions and recommendations are based on the best available
evidence, including an analysis of local economic and educational needs and the mapping
of current curriculum provision and travel to learn patterns. Recommendations made
by the steering group, including mergers, should improve access to better quality
teaching delivered by sustainable institutions focused on meeting learner need.</p><p>Local
authorities are members of area review steering groups and have statutory responsibility
for transport to education and training for 16- to 19-year-olds. We expect local authorities
to make reasonable decisions about the support they offer based on the needs of their
young people, local transport infrastructure and the resources they have available.
Authorities will need to take account of the recommendations arising from each area
review and the impact on transport for learners. We will reflect this in the next
version of the post-16 transport statutory guidance which we plan to update in the
autumn.</p><p>Most young people already have access to some kind of discount or concession
on bus or train travel, either from their local authority, local transport providers,
or from their school or college, and we would expect this to continue following any
changes to post-16 provision as a result of area reviews. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
will continue to be available to support those young people who most need it, with
the costs of attending post-16 education or training such as transport and meals.</p>
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