The Department for Education (DfE) has provided an important update on the current position regarding recruitment to Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses.
At present, the availability of funded SKE provision has become extremely limited. While the DfE is still awaiting final confirmation from all SKE providers regarding their latest recruitment status, only one providers are currently continuing to recruit to SKE courses.
All other SKE providers have confirmed that they are closed to recruitment for the remainder of the academic year.
What does this mean for ITT providers?
Given the very limited provision that remains available, it is increasingly likely that some applicants who require SKE will be unable to secure a funded place before recruitment closes.
The DfE has previously advised that, in these circumstances, ITT providers may wish to consider alternative approaches where appropriate. This could include:
- Exploring how applicants might be supported within ITT provision itself; and/or
- Discussing self-funded SKE options with applicants where suitable.
Providers are encouraged to review any applicants currently awaiting SKE places and consider the most appropriate next steps as early as possible to minimise disruption to recruitment and programme planning.
Further updates to follow
The DfE has advised that the SKE provider directory will be updated to reflect the latest position. A further update will be shared once all remaining provision has closed and recruitment activity has concluded.
NASBTT will continue to share relevant updates with members as they become available to help providers respond proactively and support applicants through the remainder of this recruitment cycle.