STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has given her backing to the introduction of a VAT refund for sixth form colleges.

She was among a group of cross party MPs who have written to the Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan warning her that the VAT anomaly threatens the success of a high performing sector.

At present, schools and academy sixth forms have their VAT costs refunded by the government, while sixth form colleges do not.

As a result, the average sixth form college has to redirect around £335,000 of its annual funding away from front line education of students to pay the VAT.

Conservative MP MsJames said: " I feel very strongly that sixth form colleges should not have to pay VAT when schools and academies can reclaim those costs.

"Students like those at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge should receive the same level of investment in their education as those studying elsewhere.

"A survey last year indicated that 68 per cent of sixth form colleges had dropped courses and that 71 per cent had reduced enrichment activities such as drama, music and sport, because of funding pressures."