How are 6th Forms Funded

[RandomMess]

DD is Year 12 and unwell physically and mentally. They are making noises that she must do 3 A levels or leave. From their ratings and achievements point of view I understand this.

What I don't understand is how 6th Forms are funded - do they get their funding per term or for the full year?

The one thing I don't want is DD leaving 6th Form without something else structured in place which is the big risk if they go down this route because of where she's at mentally and emotionally.

I find knowledge is power when it comes to advocating.

Others may well know the numbers better than me but to be funded ,a student needs a certain number of guided learning hours and 2 A Levels (or equivalent) doesn't achieve this and so the student's place won't be funded, sorry to say.

A Y12 pupil is considered a full time pupil if they are on a programme with 540 planned hours. So 2 A levels isn’t enough to be considered full time, and unless you have an unusual college most don’t allow it.

Retention also influences funding. I think sixth forms only get 50% of the funding for those who don’t finish the course.

There’s more information here and here and

Have you considered applying for an EHCNA?

They will receive a lower amount of funding for 2 A levels, as IntimidatingDory says.
Funding is time-lagged, so school won't yet have had the money for her...but the amount they will get has already been set (from October census) so in reality the funding will be adjusted next September, and the money clawed back from school.
If she wants to begin again with the same subjects, again, they will receive less funding.
If she is struggling with health so much, I cannot imagine any institution would force her to continue with three. Could she not do two, and EPQ, and work experience/supervised study (e.g. study skills) to make up to 540 hours? Work experience definitely counts as hours for funding.

Urgh, posted when I meant to preview.
If her institution won't budge, she will just drop out...and they lose all funding, instead of just partial.

Next year (22-23) we're being asked for students to do 580 hours, not 540. I'm not sure anyone could magic up band 5 (full-funding) on two A-levels. It's up to your 6th form though - ours is very accommodating and would definitely allow her to continue on two/ a lower funding band.

On top of the increase Nightmare mentioned, if the setting already provide more than 580 hours they are still expected to increase the hours proportionally.