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. It offers 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. In apprenticeships, most training happens on the job with some extra time in college.

By country

United Kingdom

England

Colleges in England began in 1944. They teach people older than the required school age. In the 1960s, most students went to schools, but by 1990, many went to colleges.

Colleges in England work independently. Types include general further education colleges, sixth form colleges, tertiary colleges, land-based colleges, and specialist colleges. The Department for Education makes the rules. Colleges must attract students and can compete with others. They can own things, hire staff, and make money or lose money.

All colleges are checked by Ofsted to make sure they teach well.

Northern Ireland

Further education in Northern Ireland is provided by seven colleges in many places. The Department for Employment and Learning is in charge.

Many secondary schools also offer two more years for students to finish advanced studies.

Scotland

Main article: List of further education colleges in Scotland

Scotland's colleges help young people and adults learn skills after they finish school at age 16. They offer many job-related qualifications and often the first two years of higher education before university.

Wales

Main article: List of further education colleges in Wales

Further education in Wales is offered 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. It offers apprenticeships and job-related qualifications in areas like childcare, farming, retail, and tourism. The awards are called Post Leaving Certificates.

Further education has grown a lot with help from institutions and communities. Quality and Qualifications Ireland oversees FE qualifications. Students can start in further education and then move to higher education to finish a degree. The National Tertiary Office helps create these paths.