SIXTH form, further education and training schemes in York and North Yorkshire are to be reviewed to make sure school leavers are getting enough choice.

The Learning and Skills Council and City of York and North Yorkshire education authorities will collaborate on the review, which aims to ensure those aged 16 and over have access to the right mix of both training and education.

The UK lags behind in post-16 education, with participation lower than average in comparison to other developed countries.

David Harbourne, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council in North Yorkshire, said: "We do not seem to have the same sense of commitment to 16 to 18 education or lifelong learning that some other countries manage.

"We are increasingly having to become highly-skilled. The chances of people making a living without skills are reducing all the time.

"We cannot afford low levels of participation to carry on or we will fall behind in the world economy."

The review will run until spring next year and will involve consultation with those involved in all aspects of post-16 education which includes everything from modern apprenticeships to night school classes.

Mr Harbourne said: "What we are aiming to achieve is to make sure everybody, 16 and over, can get the best possible benefit from learning.

"If they feel what is on offer does not meet their needs, we need to ask what can we do differently.

"It does not matter what route they use, we are just extremely keen they have the opportunity to express their views."

Fulford School has more than 250 pupils in the sixth form. Its head teacher, Stephen Smith, said one improvement would be more funding. He added: "The key thing is to look at provision and quality of provision.

"York, I think, is very well served, but people are not complacent and anything that would improve the delivery would be good."

An initial consultation meeting has taken place in York and a further one is planned for December.

If you have links with post-16 education and wish to express your views on the review write to the Learning and Skills Council, 7 Pioneer Business Park, York YO30 4TN or phone 01904 385500.

Updated: 09:07 Wednesday, October 15, 2003