Following the publication of the Augar review into post–18 education and funding, the Department for Education has added the promotion of all forms of post–18 education to its objectives.

In its Single Departmental Plan, the DfE promises to consider the outcomes of the review to make sure that systems are joined up to promote access and success in both further and higher education. The DfE says it aims to provide choice, quality and value for money, as well as delivering the skills the country needs.

Other DfE priorities for vocational and technical education listed in the plan include:

• Deliver T Levels and a transition offer
• Reform apprenticeships
• Improve the capacity and quality of the FE sector
• Continue the review of post–16 qualifications at Level 3 and below
• Review higher level technical education
• Develop a national re-training scheme to increase adult learning
• Support the industrial strategy by delivering the required skills
• Improve careers advice and guidance.