Further Education

There are over 20 different Further Education (FE) Colleges in the South of England. They offer a range of academic, vocational, technical and professional courses. FE colleges use Labour Market Information and relationships with local and regional employers to ensure they offer qualifications reflective of the job market. FE Colleges are attended by people of all ages, from 16 to 90+ although most students are between 16 and 18 years old.

Some colleges are very large, with several sites or campuses and some are specialist, such as those offering agricultural or marine courses.

FE Colleges offer courses at every level from entry level courses that do not require GCSE grades at entry through to higher level qualifications such as HNC/ HND and degree courses.

The main difference from school is that an FE college is a much more adult environment and students will typically call teachers by their first name and be expected to be independent. That said, they are still supportive environments and it not uncommon for parents/carers to be invited in to meet tutors at parents evenings or to receive attendance reports sent home.

A full time course at college is 16 hours, which can mean a student can have a part-time job at the same time (but they will be expected to complete course work and projects too!). Students required to re-sit or take English and maths as part of their study programme may be in college for more hours each week.

Once pupils leave HCA, the school are unable to support with purchasing equipment or providing transport. However the links below will give you information about 16-19 child benefit and local and national initiatives that may be able to offer financial support.

16-19 Child Benefit

Government guidance - 16-19 financial Support

Post 16 Transport

Buttle UK