Find out what’s involved in becoming a college student and doing a Further Education course after you leave school with our quick guide.
What is Further Education?
Further Education is the phrase used to describe any learning you do that isn’t in a university after you leave school.
As a college student in the UK you can study further education courses which lead to specific degrees or qualifications. When you study in college, you are often building up your skills and knowledge in a subject that will either help you get a job you’re interested in or apply for university or work training programme.
Why might you choose college after school?
- You might want to do a vocational course with hands-on experience of a career you are interested in.
- You might want to go to sixth form college for a change of scene, studying for A levels or the equivalent.
- You might choose to study for a foundation degree at college to help you prepare for a degree at university.
- You are catching up on your basic English and maths core skills to help you with your next steps in life.
What types of college qualifications can you do?
College courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas.
Further Education also includes three types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds:
- level 3 tech levels to specialise in a specific technical job
- level 2 technical certificates help get employment or progress to another tech level
- applied general qualifications to continue general education at advanced level through applied learning
Some examples of college qualifications:
- Diploma
- Foundation Degrees
- General Certificate of Secondary Education GCSE
- Higher National Certificate HNC
- Higher National Diploma HND
- International Baccalaureate
- Bachelor’s Degree (you can sometimes do these in college as well as university)
Getting funding for your Further Education
UK further education (FE) colleges are funded by the Government.
Many courses in reading, writing and basic maths are free. You may not have to pay for tuition if you’re under 24 and studying for your first qualification equivalent to GCSE or A level.
Check on gov.uk to find out more about financial support, for example for your course or day-to-day living costs.
Thinking about your next steps
When it comes to what you do after school, you have lots of options. This guide aims to help you decide if college is a good fit for you.
See more school and college advice See all student advice
