Further education

Further education, often called FE, is extra learning after finishing secondary school in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is different from higher education, which is offered in universities and other academic places. Further education can be for anyone, from basic skills to advanced certificates, diplomas, and vocational qualifications. These are offered by organizations like City and Guilds, Edexcel (BTEC), and Cambridge OCR.

Students over the age of 16 can take further education classes at special colleges, through work-based learning, or in adult and community learning centers. This type of education helps people get the skills they need to go to university or start a career that does not require a university degree. FE colleges also offer some university-level courses and help with apprenticeships, where most training happens on the job with some extra time in college.

By country

United Kingdom

England

Further education colleges in England began with rules set in 1944. They offer education and activities for people older than compulsory school age. In the 1960s, most students studied at schools, but by 1990, many attended colleges.

Colleges in England are independent groups. Types include general further education colleges, sixth form colleges, tertiary colleges, land-based colleges, and specialist colleges. The Department for Education is mainly responsible for policies about colleges. Colleges must attract students and can compete with other education providers. They can own assets, hire staff, and make profits or losses.

All colleges are checked by Ofsted to make sure they provide good education.

Northern Ireland

Further education in Northern Ireland is provided through seven colleges spread across many campuses. The Department for Employment and Learning is responsible for further education there.

Many secondary schools also offer two extra years for students to complete their advanced studies.

Scotland

Main article: List of further education colleges in Scotland

Scotland's further education colleges help young people and adults learn skills after they finish compulsory education at age 16. They offer many vocational qualifications and often the first two years of higher education before students go to university.

Wales

Main article: List of further education colleges in Wales

Further education in Wales is provided through sixth form colleges, FE colleges, and sixth forms in secondary schools. It is managed by the Welsh Government.

Republic of Ireland

Main article: Education in the Republic of Ireland § Further education

Further education in the Republic of Ireland is similar to the UK, offering apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in areas like childcare, farming, retail, and tourism. The awards are called Post Leaving Certificates.

Further education has grown a lot, with support from institutions and their communities. Quality and Qualifications Ireland regulates FE qualifications. Students can start in further education and then move to higher education to complete a degree. The National Tertiary Office helps develop these pathways.