Institute for Fiscal Studies warns against cutting spending on sixth forms

Thinktank says any reduction would sit uncomfortably' with pledge to focus on skills and economic growth

Britain's leading economic thinktank has warned the government of the dangers of cutting education spending on students in sixth forms and further education colleges, after new analysis showed recent additional investment being all but eroded by inflation and growing student numbers.

As the Treasury attempts to balance the budget, government departments are on standby to identify spending cuts, but the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said any attempt to reduce spending in the 16-18 sector would sit uncomfortably" with the government's stated commitment to focus on skills and economic growth.