Catalogue description 16-19 Cost Effectiveness Study Steering Group and Committee (Russell Committee): Agenda, Minutes and Papers

During 1969 the Department of Education and Science set up a two year cost effectiveness study steering group to study the link between the cost and effectiveness of educational provision. There was national and local concern about the growth in expenditure needed to provide education for students over the school leaving age. It was also felt that more effective means were needed to determine the results achieved by this expenditure.

The steering group was set up to monitor a study carried out on behalf of the department carried out by the Local Education Authorities Association and the Association of Municipal County Treasurers though members of the Planning and Finance Branches of DES were closely involved. It was chaired by Sir Lionel Russell, chief education officer for Birmingham, and the other members represented the participating associations and members of the department.

The purpose of the study was twofold. Firstly, to produce a body of objective factual information to assist the DES, LEA's, schools and FE establishments to formulate policy for the provision of courses for full and part-time students in the 16-19 age group in different circumstances. Secondly, to explore the methodology of a cost effectiveness study in education.

In June 1970 the group changed its name to 16-19 Cost Effectiveness Study Steering Committee. There appears to have been no change in membership or change in function.

The study concentrated on Coventry, Southampton and Cornwall .

It has not been possible to ascertain whether the results of the study was published.

The committee was wound up in 1971 when the study was complete.