Post-16 education provision in Ceredigion is under review, with the County Council pledging to gather information on "what works and what can be developed."

It was agreed during a Ceredigion County Council Cabinet meeting, held virtually on 11 January that it would be timely to undertake a further review.

The last review on post-16 provision in Ceredigion took place in 2007-2008.

The review will coincide with the reforms made through the establishment of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research , which is responsible for overseeing the post-16 sector in Wales, along with the recommendations made by Estyn Thematic Review on post-16 partnerships.

Councillor Catrin Miles, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Schools, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Support and Intervention, said: “It is timely to conduct a review of post-16 provision to gather facts and views on what works and what can be developed.”

It was noted that there were 701 pupils in years 12 and 13 in all Ceredigion schools in January 2020.

Less than 5 pupils were following 51 of the 199 A Level courses provided in Ceredigion schools during the academic year 2021-2022.

A review of post-16 education in Ceredigion was approved, with its results to inform any future plans for the county’s teenagers.

At its meeting on Tuesday, January 11 Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet was asked to allow officers to “establish a brief and conduct a review of post-16 education,” to be brought back to senior councillors.

Cllr Keith Evans highlighted the need for the details to also go to scrutiny committee, which was agreed by all members.

Senior councillors were also told that it is predicted that by January 2024 there will be around 776 Year 12 and 13 pupils, an increase from the 701 in 2020 - but that “five out of the six Ceredigion sixth forms could have fewer than 150 pupils.”

This figures is the level the Audit Commission has suggested makes a sixth form viable.

Ceredigion County Council last reviewed its education for over 16-year-olds  in 2007-8. Current arrangements must also consider the “driving the post-16 transition agenda nationally.”

Officers will undertake the review, and its findings will be discussed at a future date.