All CWM learners reported are funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency, which funds learning up to the age of 19.  

In the 2021/22 academic year, 45,188 young people were enrolled at CWM colleges, 32,180 (71%) of whom were resident in the WMCA authorities and 13,009 (29%) lived in outside areas. 

The number of 16-19 learners rose in 20/21 and then dipped in 2021/22 but was still at levels above those in 2019/20. Overall, there was a rise of 4.5% over the three years to 2021/22. 

The rate of growth over the three years for 16-19 learners living outside the WMCA region was stronger at 13.2 % compared with 1.3% within the WMCA region.