After section 509AB there is inserted—

“509AC Interpretation of sections 509AA and 509AB

(1)

For the purposes of sections 509AA and 509AB a person receiving education or training at an establishment is of sixth form age if he is over compulsory school age but—

(a)

is under the age of 19, or

(b)

has begun a particular course of education or training at the establishment before attaining the age of 19 and continues to attend that course.

(2)

References in section 509AA to an establishment supported by the Learning and Skills Council for England are to any establishment at which education or training is provided by a person to whom that Council secures the provision of financial resources in any of the ways mentioned in section 5(2) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

(3)

References in section 509AA to an establishment supported by the National Council for Education and Training for Wales are to any establishment at which education or training is provided by a person to whom that Council secures the provision of financial resources in any of the ways mentioned in section 34(2) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

(4)

References in section 509AB to persons with learning difficulties are to be construed in accordance with section 13(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

(5)

In sections 509AA and 509AB and this section—

“academic year” means any period commencing with 1st August and ending with the next 31st July;

“disabled person” has the same meaning as in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995;

“establishment” means an establishment of any kind, including a school or institution;

“governing body”, in relation to an institution within the further education sector, has the same meaning as in the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

(6)

The Secretary of State may by order amend the definition of “academic year” in subsection (5).”