More GCSE pupils will get into first choice of sixth form college

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, August 19, 2026

The government has increased funding to allow sixth-form and further education colleges to admit more students, including those with lower GCSE grades, by expanding their available places. This investment aims to reduce youth disengagement and accommodate a growing number of applicants, with some colleges expecting to enroll tens of thousands of additional students over the coming years.

More students completing their GCSEs this year are expected to gain admission to their preferred sixth-form or further education (FE) colleges, even if their grades fall below traditional thresholds, following a government funding boost aimed at expanding post-16 educational places.

The additional funding, announced earlier this week ahead of the release of GCSE results, will enable oversubscribed institutions to increase their intake capacity without the previous financial risks. Historically, colleges with limited funded places often tightly restricted admissions to those meeting higher GCSE grade criteria. However, this new support is designed to allow more flexibility in accepting students.

The move forms part of efforts led by Andy Burnham to reduce the number of young people classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The number of applicants seeking places in school sixth forms, sixth-form colleges, and FE colleges has risen in recent years, driven in part by demographic growth.

Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, noted that colleges are now more inclined to accept additional students, confident that funding will cover these expanded cohorts. He added that the number of admissions into sixth-form colleges is expected to rise and that some institutions will be able to further increase capacity during the 2027-28 academic year as a result of this government investment. Watkin also highlighted that more pupils are opting for sixth-form colleges due to their larger size and broader curriculum offerings compared to school sixth forms.

Claire Green, post-16 and skills policy specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that the funding increase will likely boost first-choice admissions at sixth-form and FE colleges, though less so in schools, where sixth-form places tend to be smaller.

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, pointed out that FE colleges are preparing to accept a record number of students this year in what marks the continuation of four years of cohort growth. He estimated that colleges could enroll over 25,000 additional students, with some expanding their intake by 300 to 600 pupils. Hughes emphasized that this expansion particularly benefits those students who previously struggled academically or disengaged from schooling, as FE colleges often serve learners with lower GCSE outcomes and provide opportunities to re-engage and motivate them.

The Department for Education reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every young person seeking a place in post-16 education can access one, underlining the aim to broaden participation and address the challenge of youth disengagement.

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.