The decision by Cambridge Regional College’s to end it’s A level provision is an attack on comprehensive education. The cuts are going to effect hundreds of students and will most affect those who are economically less well off.

The FE sector in Cambridge is already divisive and the latest cuts will deny A level education hundreds of students - including those who are studying as part of a mix of courses, those who work and mature students. Together with the end of evening class provision at Long Road Sixth Form, including A levels, the cuts limit choice and are a further move away from a commitment to continuing and comprehensive education.

The attacks come as teachers; parents and students fight the new ‘Education and Inspection Bill’. The bill aims to break up education and create a more tiered system, opening education to market forces and pandering to the needs of corporate big business. Some schools and colleges benefit from extra funding at the expense of others.

Centres are encouraged to offer courses geared towards employers needs and in many cases corporate sponsors are actively encouraged to invest in education in return for influence over the curriculum. This part privatisation of education is a move away from the ethos of community education and education as self-fulfilment. The government’s agenda is denying people the right to a rounded broad based curriculum. We want a good school for every child and the right of all to a continued and fulfilling education.

Labels: A Good Local School for Every Child