Further Education
A high quality and responsive further education sector is essential if we are to realise our ambitions of strengthening UK economic performance and transforming the life chances of millions of people. Further education is unique in operating across society, having a real impact on businesses, young people and adults, including those from disadvantaged and minority communities.
Public investment in further education has increased substantially since 1997. At the same time, standards have been rising. 77 per cent of all college students and 60 per cent of those doing full apprenticeships or NVQs now succeed.
With the 2006 FE White Paper and 'World Class Skills' (2007), there is in place a comprehensive reform programme. DIUS is working to create a responsive further education system with a focus on skills, employability and social mobility. Without colleges and training providers, we will not achieve the challenging targets set by Lord Leitch. Over the period to 2020, we need to see investment in skills by employers and individuals far outstripping public investment. That means huge new opportunities for further education.
As part of the Machinery of Government changes that established the new Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, funding for 16-19 year olds is being transferred to Local Authorities to give greater leadership at local level. Jointly with the Department for Children, Schools and Families, we have consulted on the proposed changes to the education and training systems for 16-19 year olds and adults set out in the Raising Expectations white paper and published a summary of responses, and next steps and frequently asked questions (see below).
Please explore the below pages to find out more about Further Education. See also our Further Education popular questions, Adult Learning popular questions and Training Providers popular questions.
Visit our Business Gateway to see how businesses large and small can harness science, innovation and talent to thrive in today's economy
New Relationship
The work to transform the FE sector is well underway. Select for information on self-regulation and the impact of Machinery of Government changes
The FE Communications Gateway Panel is challenging Government and the LSC to improve their communications with FE providers especially when promoted as publications.
FE workforce:
Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK)
Find out more about: Qualifications for teachers | Workforce reforms | Recruitment (Catalyst Programme) | Workforce Strategy Implementation Plan
Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL)
Find out more about: Qualifications for principals
Institute for Learning (IfL)
Find out more about: Professional registration
Vocational Qualifications & planned reforms
Visit the QCA for information about the National Database of Accredited Qualifications and details of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework.
Visit the Section 97 website for details of approved qualifications for learners age 19 or over.
The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform website provides a complete overview of the reforms to the UK VQ system.
The Qualifications Reform Support Programme is specifically designed to provide FE providers with the resources and support they need to implement the VQ reforms.
Accreditation of employer & provider training
Employers and FE providers interested in the various ways their training can be accredited onto the new Qualifications and Credit Framework are invited to visit the QCA Employer and Provider Training Recognition website or contact QCA on recognition@qca.org.uk.
Safeguarding
For those in FE working with vulnerable adults, recent guidance can be downloaded or ordered from here
FE Works
FE Works: supporting individuals, employers and communities (PDF 538KB) has been released as part of the Government announcement on the £158 million fund which will be used to help people who have lost or fear losing their jobs. Read the press release
SoS letter to colleges
John Denham and Ed Balls have written to college principals and chairs of governing bodies to set out some of the key challenges facing the FE sector over the next twelve months. Read the full letter
'Raising Expectations' White Paper
Read more on plans to give local authorities more say over the education of young people and to streamline the adult skills system.
National Improvement Strategy
The QIA-led National Improvement Strategy offers services to help colleges and providers drive up quality and standards. Select here too for information on the LSC's Framework for Excellence and intervention strategy
Governance and Legal
Select here for links to the legal framework and consultation and guidance documents.
Follow this link to FE Colleges: Models for Success and supporting case studies and toolkit
Apprenticeships
Keep up-to-date with latest developments on Apprenticeships
Investing in further education
Ministers' outline of how the Learning & Skills Council should invest its £12bn Government-funded budget can be found in the LSC grant letter 2009-10. You can also see the Government Investment Strategy 2009-10 and LSC Statement of Priorities.
We have invested £2.4 billion in further education capital in the past ten years, and will invest a further £2.3bn in the next 3 years. Capital investment strategies can be found on the LSC capital website.
The new funding methodology for 2008-09 onwards was developed following a sector-wide consultation on demand-led funding.
Learning Providers
The Register of Education and Training Providers is for education institutions who recruit international students.
Prior Attainment and the ILR Good Practice Guide is to help learning providers improve collection of prior attainment data for Individualised Learner Records (ILRs).
FE and Skills E-newsletter
This newsletter is for all colleges and providers, adult education services and partner organisations to keep you updated on the latest developments in FE and Skills policy.
Find out more about the new FE and Skills E-newsletter and how to subscribe
