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Guide to Further Education Options and Support

Further Education generally refers to education after Year 11 and before higher education (university).

About this guide

Further Education generally refers to education after Year 11 and before higher education (university).

1. What is Further Education?

England: Further Education includes a wide range of post-16 academic, technical, vocational and adult-learning routes. It is different from Higher Education, although some FE colleges also deliver higher-level courses.

Further Education generally refers to education after Year 11 and before higher education (university).

Further Education providers may include:

  • Sixth Form Colleges
  • Further Education Colleges
  • Specialist Colleges
  • Independent Training Providers
  • Adult Learning Providers
  • Specialist SEND Colleges

Courses may include:

  • A Levels
  • BTECs
  • T Levels
  • Functional Skills
  • Vocational Qualifications
  • Foundation Learning
  • Supported Internships
  • Apprenticeships
  • Access to Higher Education Courses

Useful links:

2. College Applications

Ask about more than the course title. Before accepting a place, check entry requirements, course content, assessment method, work placements, travel, SEND support, access arrangements, safeguarding, bursaries, free meals, progression routes and what happens if the student needs to change course.

Choosing the right college involves considering:

  • Course availability
  • Entry requirements
  • SEND support
  • Travel arrangements
  • Student wellbeing services
  • Accessibility
  • Industry links
  • Progression opportunities

Students should:

  • Attend open days
  • Ask questions about support services
  • Discuss future goals
  • Consider travel and practical arrangements
  • Review admissions criteria

Useful links:

3. BTECs

Qualification reform is underway in England. BTECs and other vocational qualifications are not all disappearing immediately. DfE's July 2026 post-16 implementation plan says there will be no removal of funding from qualifications during the 2026/27 academic year as the system moves toward T Levels, new V Levels and reformed Level 2 qualifications from 2027 onwards.

What Are BTECs?

BTEC qualifications focus on practical learning and coursework-based assessment.

They are available across a wide range of subjects including:

  • Business
  • Health and Social Care
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Sport
  • Creative Arts

Benefits may include:

  • Practical learning
  • Continuous assessment
  • Industry-relevant skills
  • Progression to employment or university

Useful links:

4. T Levels

2026/27: T Levels remain a major Level 3 technical route in England. They combine classroom study with a substantial industry placement. DfE's 2026 post-16 reform plan also confirms further T Level development alongside new V Levels from 2027.

What Are T Levels?

T Levels are technical qualifications designed in partnership with employers.

They combine:

  • Classroom learning
  • Industry placements
  • Technical skills

T Levels aim to prepare students for:

  • Skilled employment
  • Apprenticeships
  • Higher education

Useful links:

5. Functional Skills

Functional Skills are regulated qualifications. English and mathematics Functional Skills can be particularly useful for learners who need practical literacy and numeracy qualifications for employment, apprenticeships or further study.

What Are Functional Skills?

Functional Skills qualifications help learners develop practical skills needed for everyday life, work and study.

Subjects include:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Digital Skills (where available)

Functional Skills can support:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Apprenticeships
  • College progression
  • Independent living

Useful links:

6. College Mental Health Support

Urgent mental-health help – England: if someone is in immediate danger call 999. For urgent mental-health help that is not an immediate emergency, call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option.

College can be an exciting but challenging transition. Students may experience:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Exam stress
  • Loneliness
  • Financial worries
  • Academic pressure

Many colleges provide:

  • Counselling
  • Wellbeing teams
  • Safeguarding support
  • Mental health advisers
  • Student support services
  • Referral pathways

Students should seek support early if they are struggling.

Useful links:

7. SEND in College

FE colleges have statutory SEND duties in England. The Children and Families Act 2014 requires relevant post-16 institutions to use their best endeavours to secure the special educational provision a young person needs. Where a college is named in Section I of an EHC plan, separate statutory admission duties can apply.

Young people with SEND remain entitled to support in Further Education.

Support may include:

  • Learning support assistants
  • Specialist equipment
  • Study skills support
  • Assistive technology
  • Communication support
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Transition planning

For some learners, EHCPs may continue up to age 25 where legal criteria are met.

Useful links:

8. Student Support Services

Ask early. Support arrangements are easier to put in place when the college knows about needs before or during enrolment. Learners can ask who coordinates SEND, safeguarding, mental health, financial support, exam access arrangements and careers guidance.

Most colleges provide support services to help students succeed.

Support may include:

Academic Support

  • Study skills
  • Learning support
  • Literacy and numeracy support

Wellbeing Support

  • Counselling
  • Mental health support
  • Welfare advice

Practical Support

  • Travel advice
  • Financial support
  • Careers guidance

Safeguarding Support

  • Designated safeguarding staff
  • Reporting concerns
  • Crisis support

Students should ask what services are available during enrolment.

9. College Funding

2026/27 free meals expansion – England: from the start of the 2026/27 academic year, students from households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to a free meal where the FE eligibility rules are met. School sixth forms are included in the expanded scheme.

Financial support may be available depending on age, circumstances and course type.

Support may include:

16–19 Bursary Fund

For eligible students facing financial hardship.

Discretionary Learner Support

For adult learners.

Travel Support

Available in some areas.

SEND Support Funding

Additional support funding may be available where required.

Useful links:

10. Legal Rights

Important distinction: Equality Act reasonable-adjustment duties, SEND duties and EHC-plan duties can overlap but are not the same legal right. A learner does not need an EHC plan before disability discrimination protections or reasonable-adjustment duties can apply.

Students may have rights relating to:

Education

  • Access to suitable education
  • Fair admissions processes
  • Appropriate support

SEND

  • SEN Support
  • EHCP rights
  • Reasonable adjustments

Equality

Protection from discrimination based on:

  • Disability
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Gender reassignment
  • Sexual orientation

Safeguarding

Protection from abuse, bullying and exploitation.

Useful links:

11. Evidence Standards

Keep the decision trail. For funding, SEND or adjustment disputes, retain the application, evidence supplied, college policy, decision, reasons, review request and outcome. This makes any complaint or appeal much easier to follow.

Good evidence is often important when requesting support, funding, adjustments or making complaints.

Useful evidence may include:

  • Educational assessments
  • SEND documentation
  • EHCPs
  • Medical evidence
  • Mental health evidence
  • Attendance records
  • Progress reviews
  • Professional reports
  • Funding applications
  • Meeting notes

Keep copies of:

  • Emails
  • Letters
  • Support plans
  • Review records
  • Decisions made

Evidence should be:

  • Factual
  • Relevant
  • Organised
  • Dated
  • Learner-focused

12. Accountability & Complaints

Current England complaint route: learners should normally exhaust the provider's complaints procedure first. For eligible DfE-funded post-16 provision, DfE can then consider complaints about how the complaint was handled. GOV.UK says the complaint to DfE should normally be made within 12 months of the issue occurring.

If concerns arise:

Step 1

Speak with:

  • Tutor
  • Learning support team
  • Student services
  • Safeguarding lead

Step 2

Request written responses.

Step 3

Use the college complaints procedure.

Step 4

Escalate to senior management.

Step 5

Seek specialist advice where necessary.

Useful links:

13. Advocacy & Independent Support

Young people can have their own voice. Advocacy can help the learner understand options, prepare for meetings, explain the impact of unmet needs and identify the correct complaint, SEND or equality route.

Students and families may benefit from independent advice and advocacy.

Useful organisations:

SENDIASS

https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network

IPSEA

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

Contact

https://contact.org.uk/

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

National Careers Service

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

14. Quick Help Directory

Find a Course

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course

National Careers Service

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

T Levels

https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/

BTEC Qualifications

https://qualifications.pearson.com/

Functional Skills

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/functional-skills-qualifications-requirements

College Funding

https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

Student Finance

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

SEND Support

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

IPSEA

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

Contact

https://contact.org.uk/

Mental Health Support

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

College Complaints

https://www.gov.uk/complain-further-education-apprenticeship-provider

Ombudsman

https://www.lgo.org.uk/

Key Message

Further Education offers a wide range of pathways to support learning, employment, independence and future success. Students should have access to appropriate support, fair treatment and opportunities that meet their individual needs. Understanding rights, seeking help early, keeping evidence and knowing how to challenge decisions can help learners achieve positive outcomes and make informed choices about their future.

Current 2026/27 update • England

Important Further Education Changes & Support

Free Meals – Expanded from September 2026

From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, students from households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to a free meal where the FE scheme's other eligibility rules are met.

Eligible students aged over 19 can also qualify where they are a 19+ continuer or have an EHC plan.

2026/27 Free Meals Guidance

16–19 Bursary Fund

The bursary helps eligible students meet essential participation costs such as travel, books, specialist equipment or clothing.

For 2026/27, students normally need to be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2026. Some students aged 19+ can receive a discretionary bursary if they have an EHC plan or are continuing the same programme they began aged 16–18.

16–19 Bursary Fund

Care to Learn

Care to Learn can help with childcare for eligible young parents who are under 20 when they start their course and are studying on an eligible publicly funded course in England.

For 2026/27 the maximum is up to £180 a week per child outside London or £195 in London, subject to the scheme rules.

Care to Learn

Adult Learner Support

Learner Support may help students aged 19+ in financial hardship with course-related costs such as travel, equipment or childcare, subject to eligibility and whether the provider offers the scheme.

Learner Support
Post-16 qualification reform

BTECs, T Levels & New V Levels – What Is Actually Changing?

England is reforming Level 3 and Level 2 technical and vocational qualifications. DfE's implementation plan was published in May 2026 and updated in July 2026.

Do not assume every BTEC ends in 2026. DfE's implementation plan says funding will not be removed from qualifications during the 2026/27 academic year. The transition to new qualifications starts from 2027 and is staged by subject.

V Levels

New Level 3 V Level qualifications are being introduced as a vocational pathway alongside A Levels and T Levels. The first V Levels are planned to begin teaching from September 2027.

T Levels

T Levels remain the main technical route. New subjects are being developed and the qualification model is being adjusted to improve accessibility and scalability while retaining employer-focused technical content.

New Level 2 Routes

DfE plans new Foundation Certificates for progression towards Level 3 and Occupational Certificates for progression towards skilled employment.

Foundation Year

The current T Level Foundation Year continues during 2026/27. From September 2027 it is planned to be renamed the Foundation Year as its role broadens.

Post-16 Pathways Implementation Plan
SEND & EHC plans

Further Education SEND Rights – England

SEND support does not stop at age 16. Colleges and other relevant post-16 institutions have statutory responsibilities toward young people with special educational needs.

Best Endeavours Duty

Section 66 of the Children and Families Act 2014 requires relevant FE institutions to use their best endeavours to secure the special educational provision called for by the young person's SEN.

Children & Families Act – Section 66

College Named in an EHC Plan

Where a qualifying college or institution is named in Section I of a final EHC plan, the Children and Families Act contains duties concerning admission and securing the provision in the plan.

Section 43 – Duty to Admit

19–25 EHC Plans

An EHC plan can continue beyond age 19 where the statutory criteria remain met. It does not continue automatically simply because the young person is under 25.

SEND Code of Practice

Supported Internships

Supported internships are structured work-based study programmes for young people aged 16–24 with SEND who have an EHC plan and want to move into employment.

Supported Internships Guidance
Money & course costs

Other Funding Students Should Check – England

Advanced Learner Loan

Students aged 19 or over may be able to use an Advanced Learner Loan for eligible Level 3–6 qualifications at approved providers in England.

From 1 January 2027, some Level 4–6 courses move to Lifelong Learning Entitlement student-finance arrangements instead.

Advanced Learner Loan

16–19 Bursary

Ask the college's student-services or bursary team about travel, books, equipment, protective clothing and other essential participation costs.

Bursary Eligibility

Care to Learn

Eligible young parents under 20 may receive help with registered childcare and some additional travel costs while studying.

Childcare Support

Learner Support

Adults aged 19+ studying Level 3 or below and experiencing financial hardship should ask whether their provider offers Learner Support.

Adult Learner Support
Mental health & safeguarding

Student Wellbeing, Safeguarding & Urgent Help

Colleges should make it clear how students can access wellbeing, safeguarding and crisis support. Students under 18 remain children for safeguarding purposes.

Immediate danger: call 999. In England, for urgent mental-health help that is not an immediate emergency, call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option.
Complaints

Complaining About a Further Education Provider – England

Start with the provider's own complaints procedure. Ask for a copy if it is not published and keep the complaint, supporting evidence and final response.

For DfE-funded post-16 education and training, the provider must normally be given the opportunity to complete its own formal complaints process first. If the complaint remains unresolved, DfE can consider eligible complaints.
GOV.UK says you should normally contact DfE within 12 months of the issue happening. DfE does not deal with examination marks or grades through this route; those use awarding-body and Ofqual processes.
UK nations

Further Education Across the UK

Funding, SEND systems, qualifications and complaint routes differ across the UK. The detailed bursary, free-meal, EHC-plan and DfE complaint information above is primarily for England.

England

Use GOV.UK and the National Careers Service for courses, funding, qualifications and post-16 support.

England – Find a Course

Scotland

Scottish FE students may be eligible for means-tested college bursaries and additional support for childcare, dependants and travel. Young people aged 16–19 from lower-income families may also qualify for EMA.

Scotland – FE Student Support

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has its own FE colleges, qualifications, student-support arrangements and Department for the Economy education-and-skills system.

Northern Ireland – Further Education
Official sources

Key Official Further Education Sources

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