Unlocking Wales’ Learning Potential: Why Adult Education Matters More than Ever
Every September, Adult Learners’ Week, which runs from September 15 to 21, shines a light on the transformative power of learning. It’s a chance to…
colleges
Colleges play a major role in UK education, offering a wide range of practical, vocational and professional qualifications. Here we explain the main options at these institutions.
What types of colleges exist in the UK?
Key types include General Further Education Colleges delivering vocational qualifications across disciplines, Sixth Form for 16-19 year old A Level and technical students, and Specialist Colleges focusing on specific industry training often at post-16 levels in areas like performing arts, horticulture and technology.
What qualifications can I study at UK colleges?
Qualifications span entry level skills development through to higher national certificates and diplomas – equivalent to the first two years of university degrees. Study options include BTECs, T Levels, NVQs, Higher National Certificates, apprenticeships, English & Maths GCSEs, and university access courses. Topic areas encompass applied sciences, computing, business, childcare, construction, digital media and hundreds more professional disciplines.
How can I fund college education in the UK?
16-19 year old UK students can access free courses. Those aged 19+ may be eligible for fee waivers or Advanced Learner Loans for higher level qualifications. Apprenticeship models fund training through employer and government backing. Specific adult skills funds also support selected students’. Many colleges offer hardship funds, grants and fee discounts too based on personal circumstances.
Why FE Needs a Stronger Voice in National Policy
Further Education (FE) is a vital education sector in the UK. Colleges and training providers are transforming lives every day, equipping young people with technical…
UK Retrofit Skills Gap: 9 Reasons Why Colleges Are Struggling to Keep Up
The UK is racing toward its Net Zero 2050 target, and retrofit sits at the centre of that ambition. With 80% of the homes that will exist…
Colleges in Scotland announce AI training for staff to mark International Day of Education
Four colleges are helping educators boost their Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, amid growing student demand for data learning. The workforce development programmes at Edinburgh,…
The Importance of the Children’s Register and the Role of Colleges
The long-awaited register of children not in school, part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduced to Parliament this week, is a crucial step…
Gamifying careers: How the ICE CityZen Award engages the next generation of civil engineers
If you’ve got a child or grandchild under the age of 18 it’s quite likely that at some time you’ve worried about their obsession with…
Top Learning Provider Backs Calls For Mandatory Sex Education In UK Colleges
Top UK learning provider, The Skills Network, has backed calls by Members of Parliament for sex education to be mandatory up to the age of…
One week to go until CLA InPractice
There is only one week left until CLA InPractice, a free online conference for Further Education. The event will take place on 21 June 2023…
School leavers urged to choose an apprenticeship as their “genius decision”
With school leavers across Wales now considering the first important step in their career journey, a federation of 70 work-based learning providers is advising them…
Improving teaching standards and student experience through collaboration – FE Catalyst Learning
A pilot project managed by the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges has enabled staff from eight colleges in the region to strengthen their professional development…
