Agenda item

Members received an overview of the Education Development 14 – 19 Service Report Card as detailed within the circulated report.

It was highlighted that the Seren Hub which is a collaboration between Neath Port Talbot, Powys and Bridgend to support and guide children who are applying for Oxbridge and other top universities has been very effective and the numbers of children from Neath Port Talbot has risen in number to 40, work is taking place to increase this number further.

Members asked if all Universities were accessible by students through the Seren Hub.  Officers said that the top universities are available and that it depended on what courses they offered and what the students options were, there is flexibility, and students are supported in their choices.

Also, highlighted were the number of changes the authority has had to implement on behalf of the Welsh Government to education policies, G.C.S.E’s and the introduction of the new Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.  Officers explained that Welsh Baccalaureate qualification data will be available in the Summer of 2017.  Also, Welsh Government has introduced a new computer system to schools as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate which has been difficult to follow as a result a training programme has been introduced by the authority to support this.

Members asked if the Welsh Baccalaureate was recognised by universities as part of the students qualifications to undertake degree courses.  Officer explained that not all universities recognise it as one of the ‘A’ Level options but this was improving.

Following Scrutiny, the report was noted.