What is Further Education? | FE Explained

What is further education (FE)?  

Many people struggle to understand the difference between ‘further’ and ‘higher’ education. This is a fair mistake to make, with the two not being overly dissimilar.  

Further education is any study or training done after secondary school that isn't considered higher education. It covers a wide range of options aimed at providing practical skills and knowledge, often to prepare people for specific careers or to improve their existing skills. Examples include vocational courses, apprenticeships, and diplomas. 

It also includes adult education programmes and free online courses, many of which are funded by the Government, making them accessible to everyone. 

What is higher education? 

Higher education will typically follow on from FE, offering more specialised courses to provide a more complex understanding of what is needed to succeed in a specific career.  

Usually offered at university, there are some instances where you can find it in a distance or hybrid learning format.  

Typically, it's not funded, meaning the student will either have to pay the tuition fees, or take out a student loan.  Two types of loans will be needed: a maintenance loan, and a tuition loan.  

Higher education institutions will generally provide courses at levels 4 to 8, including higher national certificates, higher national diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates. 

Is university higher or further education? 

University is considered higher education. It involves studying for academic degrees, such as bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, typically at levels 4 to 8 in the educational system.  

Types of further education 

There is a huge list that is considered FE, including: 

A-Levels 
Advanced level qualifications typically studied over two years, often leading to university admission. 

Vocational Qualifications 
Practical courses designed to provide skills for specific careers, such as: 

• BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications) 
• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) 
• T Levels: Technical qualifications introduced in England, equivalent to three A-Levels. 

Apprenticeships 
Work-based training programmes that combine practical on-the-job experience with study, leading to a qualification. 

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) 
Short online courses that give you insights into specific topics, often providing you with a certificate. 

Access to Higher Education Diplomas 
Designed for adults returning to education, these courses prepare students for university-level study. 

Functional Skills 
Qualifications in basic English, Maths, and ICT, aimed at improving essential skills for work and life. 

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 
Courses for non-native English speakers to improve their language skills. 

Online and Distance Learning 
Flexible learning options, including Government-funded free online courses, that can be completed remotely. 

Benefits of further education 

Aside from those who must remain in school until age 18 as their only option, further learning plays a significant role in adult development by aiding career progression, career change, and personal growth. 

According to the UK government, 1,627,320 adults (aged 19+) have participated in funded further education and skills participation for the 2023/24 academic year, which includes Apprenticeships, Community Learning, and Education and Training. That doesn’t take into consideration any self-funded courses that learners may be completing to enhance their skills.  

The reason that so many people have participated in these courses is due to the number of benefits and positives that it can have on them in their personal life and in their career. 

Benefits include: 

• The ability to upskill in a specific skill or role, allowing for increased employability 
• Increased earning potential 
• Increased confidence in your role, or in your personal life 
• Flexibility – Most further education will allow you to learn from wherever you choose 
• Government funding in certain courses allows you to develop your skills with spending a penny 
• Gain access to Higher Education and continue to enhance your career 

Overall, by taking advantage of further education you’ll gain more opportunities and chances to develop in your career and in your personal life, allowing you to earn more while enjoying what you do. 

We offer a huge range of courses on our online qualification hub. Take the next steps in your education today by enrolling on one of our free, short, paid, or apprenticeship online courses.