Working to improve post-16 English and maths education
We are an expert-led group exclusively committed to improving outcomes for the disproportionately-disadvantaged learners who continue to study English and maths up to GCSE in post-16 education.
Coalition news
Our principles:
Building a strong foundation for all students
The EMC share common principles that guide our vision.
We believe high-quality, post-16 English and maths provision should be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background, geography, or education provider. Efforts to close the English and maths gap should not arbitrarily end at age 16.
Here’s what we stand for
Aspiration for All Students
We believe everyone can succeed in English and maths. Our commitment is to make these subjects accessible and enjoyable in all their forms, continuing beyond 16.
Future changes to qualifications should strengthen inclusivity and avoid creating a two-tier system by giving post-16 students the opportunity to secure the same qualifications their peers did at school.
The resits policy plays a vital role in giving students the opportunity to succeed after missing out on key qualifications at 16.
With the Condition of Funding, more young people are achieving grade 4+ in both subjects than ever before, but we aim for even higher success rates. Our goal is for 90% of 19 year olds to be achieving both by 2030 and 95% by 2035.
Every opportunity should be taken to support adults to work towards English and maths, through accessible, high-quality and flexible provision, in person or online.
Fair Funding and Support
We advocate for coherent and equitable funding across pre and post-16 education to close the disadvantage gap by 19 and we support the call for a 16-19 Student Premium to continue supporting disadvantaged students.
Professional Development for FE Teachers
We call for credible, expert professional development for Further Education (FE) English and maths teachers.
Training should be backed by proven results and provide teachers with the time and resources to continually improve.
Tailored Support for Students
Students who continue studying English and maths should have access to one-to-one or small-group tutoring to build confidence and catch up.
We advocate for the reinstatement of the 16-19 Tuition Fund to support disadvantaged students in getting the help they need.
Accountability and Recognition
We believe that accountability should celebrate the hard work of FE colleges and incentivise positive, inclusive behaviours.
Reporting should focus on the achievement of students by 19, especially disadvantaged students, and progress measures should be published alongside exam results.
Key recommendations
As part of our mission, we have developed a set of Key Recommendations to enhance English and maths education for all students.
These recommendations are grounded in our principles and designed to address the challenges that students, teachers, and educational institutions face.
Strengthen the Resit Policy
Maintain the resit policy and push towards achieving 90% success in English and maths by 2030 (currently 75.8%) without compromising standards. At provider level, publish key progress measures alongside summer attainment snapshots.
Improve Teacher Training and Support
Ensure ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers in FE, focusing on the impact of their teaching on student progress.
Provide Access to Tailored Support
Ensure all students have access to small group or one-to-one tutoring to rebuild their confidence and achieve in English and maths.
Close the Disadvantage Gap
Introduce a ringfenced 16-19 Student Premium to continue supporting disadvantaged students past age 16.
Reinstate the English and maths study and exit requirement for adult apprentices
Do not give up on tackling our nation's very low levels of adult literacy and numeracy.
Meet our members
EMC uniquely combines the expertise of practising teachers and leaders from colleges alongside specialists in training, tuition, and policy.
Join the EMC community
If you too believe in the importance of providing high-quality post-16 English and maths education, join us!
Have Your Say
Provide your perspective, contribute to papers and articles, and take part in shaping the future of English and maths.
Collaborate
Work alongside other English, maths, and policy experts to share knowledge and insights.
Engage
Participate in discussions, events and webinars to stay informed and influence policy.
Sign up today
Become an EMC member and help us to improve post-16 English and maths. Sign up here.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or want to learn more about our work, get in touch.
Members of the group are available for media engagements and events.