More from this theme Recent articles Sixth forms have warned resources are being “stretched to the limit” and funding levels are unsustainable, as ministers announced lower-than-expected increases for post-16 students. The Department for Education announced last week that the national funding rate for 16- to 19-year-olds would rise by just 0.5 per cent in 2026-27. Yet the skills white paper last October had promised above-inflation increases, given rising numbers of 16- to 19-year-olds. Inflation is currently running at 3 per cent, and stood at 3.6 per cent when the pledge was made. Sixth form leaders have said the funding gap could threaten their ability to offer a broad range of subjects, hold down class sizes and pay staff competitively. They added that the timing of the announcement would leave them “flying blind” just as students are choosing their options. The 0.5 per cent increase, which lifts per-pupil funding to £5,133 next year, is the lowest since rates were frozen in 2021-22. Last year funding rates rose 5.4 per cent, significant above inflation. ‘Unacceptable and unworkable’ …