Further education (FE) is any formal learning, training, or study that takes place after secondary school but does not lead to a university degree. This includes a wide range of qualification options, vocational and professional courses, and entry-level qualifications. Delivered by FE colleges, sixth forms, and specialist colleges, FE provides pathways for young people and adults to gain new skills, change careers, or progress to higher education.

Who provides further education?

• FE Colleges: Institutions offering a wide array of courses from entry-level to higher qualifications like HNCs and HNDs. For more information see related information section
• Sixth Forms: Primarily for students aged 16-18 to study from entry level to A Levels and other post-GCSE qualifications.
• Specialist schools or Colleges: A specialist college provides post-16 education to young people with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. Most students at specialist colleges have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCPEHCPA legal document that describes a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs. It explains the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support the child or young person to achieve what they want to in their life.), with their needs unable to be met at a general further education college.
• Alternative Provision: Alternative Provision (AP) is primarily for children and young people who cannot go to a regular school. The aim of AP is to give personal support to help students get back into education and get ready for work. Examples of AP include: registered Special schoolsSpecial schoolsA school with special educational provision for pupils with SEN and disabilities who have Statements of Educational Needs or EHC plans.; Pupil Referral Units (PRUs); Hospital schools and Home tuition (learning at home with a teacher).