The purpose of this statement is to set out how Aspire-igen will use its 16 to 19 tuition fund allocation to support students who have been academically disadvantaged due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

What is the 16-19 Tuition Fund?

The 16-19 tuition fund is a one-off funding allocation for 20-21 academic year only. The fund is being provided to support learners to catch up and close any gaps in their learning that may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown. The fund will be used for small group and 1:1 tuition in English, Maths and vocational learning for 16 to 19-year-old learners. This tuition will be in addition to the planned study programme hours.

Who can be supported by this fund?

Learners must be aged 16-19 and must not have already achieved a GSCE grade 5 or above in maths and/or English by age 16. Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – including those aged 19 to 24 who require additional tuition to help them catch up with their studies – will also be supported by this provision.

How is Aspire-igen using the fund?

In accordance with the conditions laid out by the Education and Skills Funding Agency Aspire-igen will be:

• Providing Learning Support specifically to provide targeted support in English and Maths, either small group settings or 1:1.
• Technical Knowledge and skills support to aid mastery and make up for any shortfall from previous learning.
• Deploying specialist support to improve engagement for learners with SEND
• Identifying students who need additional help through academic staff, so that they can be referred to the support team for tailored support
• Providing GCSE revision workshops

Tuition Support offered will be based on an individual need’s assessment, the identification of an individual starting point, clear learning goals, expectations and outcomes. Tuition sessions will be delivered face to face, online or through a blended delivery model.

Our commitment

Aspire-igen is committed to ensuring the tuition fund is used in accordance with the Government’s guidance on the 16 to 19 tuition fund by:

• Producing this statement setting out how the fund will be used to support the most disadvantaged students
• Publishing this guidance on Aspire-igen website
• Recording the use of the fund, including references to individual students who receive support, the needs of those students, the number of hours of tuition delivered and retain the evidence of the tuition provided
• Deliver the extra tuition and spend the allocated funds in the academic year 2020/21
• Notify the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) of any underspend from the Fund for it to be reclaimed