Further Education Colleges

Further education (FE) colleges offer a wide range of subjects and qualifications, including academic and vocational (work-based) courses. They cater for school-leavers and adults, and many courses will be attended by people of all ages. Some FE colleges may have more than one site and may even have a separate sixth form centre.

In areas where an FE college is the main (or the only) option after 16, they will usually offer all the qualifications offered by school sixth forms or sixth form colleges, such as AS and A level programmes. However, if the area is well served by sixth form colleges, then the FE college may specialise in vocational or academic subjects which closely link to the needs of industry or commerce. These could include subjects such as agriculture, art or technology, many of which could lead to university entry.

Beacon Colleges and CoVEs

There are a small minority of FE colleges that have been awarded 'Beacon' status; this is an award for outstanding learning and teaching. There are also a number of college departments (not necessarily those colleges with Beacon status) that have been classified as Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). Each CoVE offers training in a particular vocational area, including new and traditional areas of work, and is designed to meet the skills needs of employers in that sector and in the wider economy. They offer the very highest standards of teaching and facilities, and typically include a range of recognised qualifications along with specialist, tailored courses. CoVEs offer qualifications at levels 1 to 4, enabling students to progress to Higher Education.

Choosing a College

All colleges publish a free prospectus which includes information about the courses on offer and the college's facilities. There will also be open days, which will enable you to see the college close up, meet the tutors and see what's on offer.