Growing funding gap risks limiting learners’ opportunities in Wales

Britain / 24 September 2026 Unison petition demands ‘proper investment in public services’ ahead of Budget 24 September 2026 Britain / 23 September 2026 Burnham launches war on disinformation 23 September 2026 Antisemitism / 23 September 2026 Two men arrested over suspected terror plot targeting Jewish community 23 September 2026 Energy Crisis / 23 September 2026 GMB urges Labour to bring down energy costs as Ineos mothballs three plants in Hull 23 September 2026 Britain / 23 September 2026 Scotland leads Europe in drugs deaths eight years running 23 September 2026 Britain / 23 September 2026 Chagos deal in doubt after Trump veto 23 September 2026 FURTHER education colleges across Wales are changing lives every day, but a growing funding gap risks limiting learners’ opportunities, Welsh Labour has warned.

The number of students choosing further education has hit a record high, with around 50,000 starting classes this year.

Popularity around vocational and technical subjects like construction, engineering, health and care is particularly strong.

But Welsh Labour education spokeswoman Lynne Neagle warned funding is not keeping pace with growth.

“Rising participation in further education colleges is excellent news, it is a sign that our colleges are succeeding,” she said.

“But it’s fragile. Record demand brings with it significant challenges.”

She said she put an additional £21 million into the sector last year, but this year the shortfall is estimated at around £23.5m.

The party said 5,000 students are studying without funding, while support services and learner travel are being stretched.

Ms Neagle said: “This is about access to opportunity. Further education colleges have a high proportion of learners from lower-income backgrounds.

“If we truly want equity of opportunity in education, we have to be willing to support it, and the Plaid government has to be willing to fund it.”