Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial benefits of an institution converting from a sixth form college to a 16–19 academy; and if so, what are those benefits.

In 2018, 3 sixth form colleges converted into 16-19 academies.

The government set out the benefits for sixth form colleges of becoming academies in the guidance for post-16 area reviews in March 2016, which is attached. Academisation enables colleges to build closer partnerships with schools which build on their strengths. It also allows them to realise educational and financial benefits from sharing resources, expertise and administration.

There are some direct financial benefits, notably the ability to reclaim VAT.