The funding package (which comes out of the existing Comprehensive Spending Review settlement) is for the year 2011-12  and comprises:
  • £57.4 million for priority building condition needs of the sixth-form college estate
  • £30 million for basic need funding for 16-19 student places to help sixth -form colleges,  schools and academies meet the demands of demographic changes
  • making all sixth-form colleges eligible for Devolved Formula Capital for the first time – funding for maintenance will be given directly to the institution. This means the average sixth-form college will receive an additional £40,000.

The ATL union has welcomed the announcement but a spokesman said it is "important that the funding for additional places for 16-19 year olds is distributed equitably between 6th Form Colleges, schools and academies with 6th forms".