Further education

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Further education (often abbreviated FE) in the United Kingdom and Ireland, similar to continuing education in the United States, is a term used to refer to education (in addition to that received at secondary school), that is distinct from the higher education offered in universities. It may be at any level above compulsory secondary education, from basic skills training to higher vocational qualifications such as PGCE, NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC, HNC, HND or Foundation Degree.

A distinction is usually made between FE and higher education HE, an education at a higher level than secondary school, usually provided in distinct institutions such as universities. FE in the United Kingdom is usually a means to attain an intermediate or follow up qualification necessary to attend university, or begin a specific career path, e.g. Quantity Surveyor, Town Planner or Veterinary Surgeon, for anyone over 16, primarily available at Colleges of Further Education, work-based learning, or adult and community learning institutions.

Further education by country


In Australia, technical and further education or TAFE /ˈtf/ "Sometimes known as Technical and Continuing Education TACE" Are institutions provide a wide range of predominantly vocational tertiary education courses, mostly qualifying courses under the National Training System/Australian Qualifications Framework/Australian Quality Training Framework. Fields covered include hospitality, tourism, construction, engineering, secretarial skills, visual arts, information technology and community work.


United Kingdom





  • General further education colleges
  • Sixth form colleges
  • Land-based colleges
  • Specialist designated colleges
  • Art, design and performing art colleges

Colleges are primarily covered by two Government departments:

Funding for colleges is provided through the Education Funding Agency (EFA) (for students up to 18 years old) and the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) (for students aged 19 and over).

All colleges and FE providers are subject to regular inspections by Ofsted.

Colleges in England are represented by the Association of Colleges.

Northern Ireland






Further education in Wales is provided through:



Ireland has further education colleges.

See also


External links