The Cumbria 14-19 Pathfinder came into existence in January 2003 as one of twenty five in the national programme, a further 14 Pathfinders have been created since. Pathfinders are designed to test local delivery of 14-19 education and training in a range of settings, building on the increasingly distinctive specialisms of local schools, colleges and training providers.

They are a key means of identifying and spreading good practice, and will inform the development nationally of 14-19 education and training from 2005/06. Pathfinders will also help assess the scale and costs of new patterns of providing the 14-19 phase of learning.

In Cumbria the emphasis has been on

• Exploring a range of approaches to elearning and development of online learning opportunities, particularly in the rural areas.
• Mapping and publishing all 14+ learning and progression routes up to Level 4
• Developing practice to sustain individual learning planning from Year 9
• Promoting collaboration and extending learner involvement in identification and development of provision