Wales Shakes Up Sixth Form Education: New Regulations in 2025

In a significant move to reshape how sixth form education is managed in Wales, the government has introduced a new set of regulations. These changes are part of the broader Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022, set to come into force on April 5, 2025.

What’s Changing?

The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales is replaced by the newly established Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. This new body is tasked with overseeing and restructuring sixth form education in schools maintained by local authorities. Previously, the power to make such changes rested with Welsh Ministers, but this shift aims to streamline and focus educational governance.

Legislative Adjustments

The amendments also impact other legislative areas. They modify the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013, effectively transferring the power to propose changes in sixth form education from the Welsh Ministers to the new Commission. This reflects a broader strategy to centralize educational oversight within a specialized body.

Impact on Existing Laws

The changes necessitate a series of consequential amendments to both primary and secondary legislation, ensuring all laws are aligned with the new governance structure. Notably, these include updates to the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Regulations 2015, adjusting the language to reflect the Commission’s new role.

Why No Impact Assessment?

Interestingly, a regulatory impact assessment was deemed unnecessary. The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice was considered, concluding that the cost-benefit analysis of these changes did not warrant a formal assessment, implying confidence in the net positive outcome of these reforms.

Final Thoughts

This regulatory overhaul signifies a strategic shift in Welsh educational policy, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sixth form education. By consolidating powers within a dedicated Commission, the Welsh government hopes to foster a more cohesive and dynamic educational landscape. As these changes unfold, stakeholders and citizens alike will be watching closely to assess the real-world impacts of this legislative transformation.