YPLA e-bulletin

Issue 43
7 March 2012

ONS reclassification of sixth form and FE colleges

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has decided to reclassify sixth form colleges (SFCs) to the private sector for the purposes of National Accounts. This classification will also apply to Further Education colleges and will come into effect in April 2012.

Previously, in October 2010 the ONS had announced that it would reclassify sixth form colleges to the public sector, which could have had significant implications for the financial decision making and reporting of colleges.

Since then the DfE has been working with the YPLA towards simplifying arrangements and deregulating the SFC sector, including the announcement of proposals for removing audit requirements and introducing extra freedoms through the Education Act. The DfE and YPLA are now considering the implications of the reclassification decision for the sector.

The reclassification is provisional upon the ONS being satisfied that there are no other public sector controls in other documentation such as funding agreements, and keeping under review the use of remaining government powers within legislation.

Information for:

• Sixth form colleges
• FE colleges

General Articles for everyone	Young People Articles for post-16 providers	Academies Articles for Academies and Sponsors
Education Funding Agency contact details National Careers Service launch	2012/13 academic year funding 16-19 Bursary Fund ONS reclassification of sixth form and FE colleges Placement Technical Guidance for Independent Specialist Providers for 2012/13 Sixth form colleges: Changes to Instruments and Articles of Government Local authorities grant return and use of funds statement 2011-12	2012/13 academic year funding Academies Capital Maintenance Fund 2012-13 Whole of Government Accounts Reminder: Academy financial returns due Summer schools programme for disadvantaged pupils

The YPLA e-bulletin is issued fortnightly. You can add subscribers by sending us their name, email address, organisation and role. You can also sign up for alerts to new documents posted on the YPLA website by registering for our web alert service. All statutory guidance and legislation linked from this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise, but may not reflect current Government policy.