What is Further Education?

Further Education, or FE, means study after school, usually between the ages of 16-19 before a student goes on to university. Courses for 16-19 year olds are FREE (some courses require the purchase of equipment and/or a contribution towards visits/trips - for further details please refer to individual course information which can be found in our Courses section) and we offer an extensive range of subject options that may not be available at school. The main difference at College is that students are responsible for their own time with most courses running at around 16 - 20 hours per week. The remaining time is made up of self-study, project work or sport/other recreation.

Students can opt to study traditional subjects like A Levels or vocational subjects such as Hair and Beauty, Graphic Design, Sport, Photography etc.

Students who study beyond school will be able to study something more specific, ie a subject they enjoy or are good at and one that is relevant to their chosen career-path. Being well qualified could lead to a better job, more money and more chance of moving quickly up the career ladder. It is also a direct route to University through A Levels, BTEC National Diplomas or another Level 3 qualification.