Colleges say they could have better buildings, equipment and staff

The Association of Colleges says the gap in funding for 16 to 19 year olds between schools and colleges is 10%.

Its survey suggests parity would give better buildings and information technology, and more, better-paid teaching and support staff.

The government says colleges are being given more money.

'Indefensible'

The Association of Colleges says ministers claim the funding gap will be narrowed by 1.5% next year - although it disputes this - but have not given a date by which it will be closed.

Its chief executive, John Brennan, said: "It is indefensible that two-thirds of young people - in colleges - should have substantially less cash available for their education than those attending schools, especially since so many come from disadvantaged backgrounds."

Colleges wanted a "funding convergence" with schools, he said.

The 10% gap meant that unless ministers took action, colleges would be short-changed by �100m in 2006-07, rising to �202m by 2007-08.

Further education and sixth form colleges say they educate more 16 to 18 year olds than do schools (711,000 compared with 420,000) - and increasing numbers of those aged 14 to 16.

Investment

The government says it has given them extra money.

"The government recognises that there is a funding gap and has taken action to narrow the funding difference as announced in November 2002 as part of the Success for All invest and reform strategy for further education and training," the Department for Education and Skills said.

"For the academic year 2003-04, core funding rates per qualification increased by 3% for school sixth forms and 4.5% for further education colleges on an equivalent basis.

"This is starting to make a difference. Expenditure plans to 2005-6 should see this trend continue and we await the outcome of decisions on the 2004 spending review allocations to see impact on 2006-7 and beyond."