Provider Access Legislation
Provider Access Legislation (PAL) — The Baker Clause
Provider Access Legislation, commonly known as the Baker Clause, is a legal requirement for all secondary schools in England to give colleges, universities, and apprenticeship and technical education providers the opportunity to talk to students about their options. Introduced under the Technical and Further Education Act 2017, it was strengthened in January 2023 to require at least 6 encounters per student in Years 8–13.
Key facts
- From January 2023, schools must provide a minimum of 6 provider encounters per student across Years 8–13
- At least 2 encounters must focus on apprenticeships and technical routes
- Schools must publish their Provider Access Policy on their website
- Provider Access directly supports Gatsby Benchmark 7 (Encounters with FE and HE)
- Ofsted can inspect Provider Access compliance — non-compliance is taken seriously
Frequently asked questions
What is the Baker Clause (Provider Access Legislation)?
The Baker Clause, formally the Provider Access Legislation (PAL), requires all secondary schools in England to give education and training providers — including FE colleges, universities, and apprenticeship providers — the opportunity to speak to students about their options. From January 2023, schools must arrange at least 6 provider encounters per student across Years 8–13, with at least 2 focusing on apprenticeships and technical routes.
How does Provider Access Legislation relate to the Gatsby Benchmarks?
Provider Access Legislation directly supports Gatsby Benchmark 7 (Encounters with Further and Higher Education). Ensuring students have the required encounters with FE colleges, universities, and apprenticeship providers contributes evidence for Benchmark 7 compliance. Schools should log all provider encounters in their careers management system to maintain an auditable record for Ofsted.
Related terms
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