Search results

This paper discusses the British experience with Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) and outlines the current review and evaluation of the model. A range of ILA models were tested by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) between 1998 and 2000. Pilot work was also undertaken in the further education (FE) sector. ILAs proved very popular and the original target was achieved early. However, following serious concerns over the misuse of funds by a small number of private learning providers and accompanied by strain on public finances, the system was terminated in 2001. Based on a review and evaluation of the ILA model, the UK government intends to design a new ILA mechanism, building on the successful aspects of the old one. The author outlines the ILA system, its strengths and weaknesses as revealed by the review, future plans for a new system, and the European Learning Account Project (ELAP), a project set up by the DfES to investigate what other countries were doing in terms of learning account type mechanisms and to act as a network to exchange ideas.