Common Application Process

Background:

A Sheffield pre 16 learner could potentially complete over twenty application forms to access post 16 provision. Clearly most do not, but the process of applying needs to be streamlined especially, for those young people who are at risk of not making a successful transition.

In the Area Wide Inspection Action Plan of 2003, achieving a common application process was highlighted as an aspiration for the city and pilot activity has taken place in a movement towards this including the establishment of a centralised system for 6th form school admissions and a single application form for admission to the 6th forms, Longley Park and Work Based Training which is being trialled by two schools and is available as a paper document or can be e mailed via the virtual learning environment.

The 14 –19 Education and Skills Implementation Plan sets out the requirement for the city to have, by the end of 2006, a common prospectus of opportunities accessible by all learners both at post 16 and for key stage 4. All schools will also be expected to own the progression destinations of their learners through to 19.The Learning and Skills Council National Skills Strategy outlines the need to move towards a common application process. National policy and new electronic systems, which have are being developed and been piloted in other parts of the country, mean that it is timely for Sheffield to revisit its overarching aspiration.

Moving Forward:

Learning for Life has commissioned an electronic system which will in its first phase:

• Provide information for young people and their parents on ALL learning, training volunteering and leisure opportunities available across the city (initially for post 16)
• Be a simplified application process
• A clearing house to match unplaced learners with vacancies

It is expected that a pilot system will be available by Easter 2006 for late or additional applications followed by a review and evaluation period before a wider roll out for 2007 admissions.

Second phase developments will include:

• An enhancement of the prospectus to include key stage 4 opportunities and self evaluation/ career planning tools
• A mechanism to track young people through to 19

The advantages of the system will be:

For the learner, parents and careers advisors

• A comprehensive prospectus of ALL provision available with real time information on current vacancies
• A user friendly application process – one form, already partially completed with personal data, which can be adapted as necessary for different providers and linked to individual learning plans

For providers:

• Access by learners to information on all provider opportunities assured
• Easy and early dialogue via ICT with applicants to assess suitability
  before interview
• Impartial system
• Vacancies advertised to potential learners as appropriate

For advisors:

• Instant access to applications for monitoring suitability
• Early alerts of non applicants and focus on need
• Text communications for reminders and encouragement

For the LSC and Connexions partnerships:

• Real time monitoring of applications and data
• Timely funding and management decisions to match demand with supply
• Tracking into and through post 16 for targeted support
• Savings on paper based information and forms
• Provides a focus for learner centred partnership working

Aims:

• To create a fully comprehensive information resource on all post 16 opportunities available to all young people and their parents
• To create a learner centred system to facilitate ease of application and a smooth transition to post 16 education or training.

Outcomes:

• Increased applications to appropriate provision leading to successful transitions and improved retention and achievement.
• A more cost effective process of recruitment and selection for providers
• More timely intelligence on learner choice for programme planning purposes
• A reduction in the number of young people not in education or training post 16

Latest news: An evaluation of the Common Application Process will take place in May 2007. For further information please contact Dee Desgranges