FE in the United Kingdom is usually a means to attain an intermediate, advanced or follow-up qualification necessary to progress into HE, or to begin a specific career path outside of university education.
Colleges can borrow commercially, own assets, employ staff and enter into contracts, and they may make financial surpluses or deficits.
[9] All colleges and FE providers are subject to inspection by Ofsted, which monitors the quality of provision in publicly funded institutions in England.
[11] Sixteen colleges with sites in poor condition have been selected, and detailed proposals were invited for submission before October 2021, for projects which can be completed by December 2024.
[13] Most secondary schools also provide a sixth form scheme whereby a student can choose to attend for two additional years to complete their AS and A-levels.
Frequently, the first two years of higher education – usually in the form of an HND – are taken in an FE college, followed by attendance at university.
Typical areas include apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications in many disciplines, such as childcare, farming, retail, and tourism.