A project aimed using research evidence and employer collaboration to improve student success rates in GCSE maths and English resits and reduce the risk of learnerspeople not being in education, employment or training (NEET).
The project initially focussed on consulting FE providers for their perceptions of the impact of the implementation the Leitch Review of Skills would have on aspects of their work, their preparedness for challenges, and priorities for external support. This was done through a survey available online with a postal option available. The project then consulted 30 providers through visits, telephone interviews, and discussions with representative bodies to assess each institutions readiness for the implementation challenges.
The consultation found senior managers perceived the Leitch Agenda as a challenge requiring external support to ready their organisations for upcoming changes. There was an observed reduction in these perceived challenges among staff outside of senior management, including governers and directors, although the view that external support was required was consistently seen. Providers identified a need to drive culture change across their organisations but lacked the resources to send staff members to national events. Investigation into prior research also highlighted the support needs for resources and legal guidance for the Quality Improvement Agency. The research also identified that the development programme would need to recognise and adjust for the different development stages providers are at when they begin the programme. Data was gathered from interviews/surveys.