1,600 more places to be created at colleges

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

The North East will receive nearly £8.1 million to create over 1,600 new sixth form and college places across 13 institutions to address rising youth disengagement and a growing post-16 student population. This investment aims to prevent a potential increase in young people not in education, employment, or training by improving access and facilities, particularly for those facing additional challenges.

More than 1,600 additional places for sixth form and college students are set to be created across the North East as part of a nearly £8.1 million investment aimed at reducing youth disengagement from education. The funding, provided by the Department for Education, is expected to be approved next week by Mayor Kim McGuinness and regional council leaders to expand capacity at 13 colleges in the area.

The North East currently has the highest proportion of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in England, with 21% of this age group—over 64,000 individuals—affected, according to recent government data. A report scheduled for presentation to the North East mayoral authority cabinet highlights a pressing concern that this figure may rise further in the coming three years without targeted intervention.

The report also points to an anticipated increase in the 16 to 18-year-old population over the next two academic years, which will place additional pressure on existing post-16 education provisions. This surge in demand has raised fears of insufficient places in both sixth forms and college courses. The document specifically warns that without adequate expansion, young people facing additional challenges—such as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), lower prior academic attainment, or other barriers—could struggle to access appropriate educational opportunities. This, in turn, could lead to higher rates of disengagement and NEET status.

The funding package will support a range of projects aimed at increasing learning capacity and improving facilities. Planned initiatives include the installation of modular classrooms, the development of specialist vocational workshops, and the conversion of underutilized spaces into new learning areas.

Among the institutions slated to benefit from the investment are New College Durham, Tyne Coast College, Gateshead College, Newcastle College, Gosforth Academy, and the Kirkley Hall campus of Northumberland College. Officials expect that these enhancements will help accommodate the projected growth in student numbers and provide broader access to post-16 education across the region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.