EDUCATION bosses are hopeful that a Government budget boost will plug a £1.26m funding gap which threatened sixth-form courses and teaching jobs.

The Learning and Skills Council last month said it was cutting draft budgets for post-16 education across the country.

All 25 state secondary schools with sixth forms in Oxfordshire saw cuts between the draft budgets for 2009-10 and the final allocation – totalling £1.26m.

But education officials are now hopeful extra money promised by the Government in last week’s Budget – £655m for 54,000 places for 16 to 18-year-olds across the country – will cover the projected shortfall and are waiting to see the final details.

Janet Tomlinson, the county council’s director for children, young people and families, said: “The budget announcement of additional funding for sixth forms (and colleges) for 2009-10 and 2010-11 is welcome. However, we need to see the details.”

LSC spokesman Steven Heaton said the budget boost should cover the funding gap in Oxfordshire, allowing every sixth former who wanted a place to have one in September.

He added: “The Government announced extra funding of £655m in the Budget over the next two years for 16-18 learner allocations.

“This translates to 54,000 extra learner places in schools and colleges in England, starting in September.

“The LSC will be writing to all schools and colleges this week to give them immediate reassurances that the projected growth in learner numbers can now be met.”

Michael Waine, the county council cabinet member for schools, warned before last week’s Budget that the proposed cuts had prompted “extensive lobbying” by the council. He said: “I’m pleased to see our efforts appear to have borne some fruit.

“If, however, it becomes apparent that the new cash is insufficient, we shall have no hesitation in continuing our campaign.”

Oxfordshire teacher Chris Blakey, a member of the national executive of the National Union of Teachers, said rising unemployment meant more teenagers would want to stay in education.

He said: “We welcome the announcement but would question whether it will just be for the short term, or whether there are there going to be guarantees for the long term.”

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College lecturer Roy Bentley, Oxpens branch chairman of the University and College Union, said: “It does look like the Government has responded to our very real concerns.”

College spokesman Cid Carr said: “While we might be subject to some budgetary cuts, it’s still at a very early stage, with plenty of negotiation to be done.”

esimmonds@oxfordmail.co.uk