The average level of per-student funding for 16 to 19-year-olds is £1,000 less than at key stage 4 – and almost £4,000 less than at university.
The disparity has caused six professional associations to write a joint letter to education secretary Michael Gove demanding action.
In 2011/12, the median income per-pupil aged 14 to 16 was £5,620, while the average university fee was £8,414 per student.
However, the average funding for a 16 to 19-year-old in school or college was £4,645 in 2011/12, with fears it will fall as low as £4,400 by 2015.
The signatories say the shortfall and resulting pressure on resources mean that schools and colleges are reducing tutorial support for students, cutting additional activities as well as pastoral and learning support, reducing teaching time and increasing class sizes.
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