Breaking News: A significant shift in educational funding is about to shake things up at Hockerill Anglo-European College, potentially impacting its unique International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This decision could reshape the educational landscape for students in Bishop's Stortford.
The core issue? Labour's funding cuts, estimated to create a £200,000 shortfall in Hockerill's budget. This comes as the government prepares to reduce financial support for IB students, a move that has sparked considerable concern.
Bishop's Stortford's MP, Josh Dean, brought this matter to the attention of the Children and Families Minister, Josh MacAlister, questioning the timing of this announcement. The news hit the school hard, especially considering the timing of the announcement. Imagine receiving this news just before your sixth form open morning, with promotional materials already finalized!
In a Westminster Hall debate, Mr. Dean highlighted the unexpected nature of the announcement. The school received the notification on October 1st – the same day the prospectus was signed off. The school had received no prior warning or consultation. The letter suggested that the school consider changes to its plans. However, with the prospectus already finalized, and families about to visit, there was simply no time for any significant changes.
Mr. Dean has requested a meeting with the minister to discuss the issue further. He's also urging the government to continue interim funding. This would allow the school to honor its commitment to the current Year 11 cohort before transitioning to A-levels.
Currently, state schools offering the IB receive extra funding per sixth-form pupil – around £1,000 each year – to reflect the additional teaching requirements. Students in the IB program spend about 90% of their time in lessons, covering a wide range of subjects. They also engage in extended projects, the theory of knowledge, and community service. In contrast, A-level students spend approximately 70% of their time in lessons.
The government's decision means that the additional funding will cease from the 2026-27 academic year, although some transitional funding will be available. Nationally, these cuts will affect around 5,000 students, saving approximately £2.5 million from a departmental budget exceeding £100 billion. The Department for Education maintains that schools can still offer the IB without the extra financial support. However, the government wants to focus central funding on subjects that are seen to lead to good jobs and drive economic growth.
Alasdair Mackenzie, Hockerill’s principal, expressed disappointment at the decision and the prospect of losing £200,000 across two sixth-form year groups. He acknowledges the government's right to allocate funding as it sees fit. However, he finds the immediate effect of the funding cut challenging to manage. The school received its first notice about this on October 1st. If the school had more time, it would have been able to carefully consider its next steps.
Hockerill is committed to offering the IB to current Year 11 students, and the school will find the money to fund that. The principal and his staff are determined to rise to the challenge of the changes. The school is determined to maintain its distinctive character, including offering boarding, as a real alternative. The international ethos of the school, its focus on languages, music, and extra-curricular clubs, will remain. The principal is also looking into the opportunities offered by the government’s new V-level program, which offers a vocational pathway for students.
But here's where it gets controversial... This decision raises a critical question: will this shift make the IB program a privilege reserved only for private schools?
And this is the part most people miss... The school is determined to maintain its distinctive character. The international ethos of the school, its focus on languages, music, and extra-curricular clubs, will remain.
What are your thoughts on this shift in funding? Do you believe it will impact educational choices for students in Bishop's Stortford? Share your opinions in the comments below!
