Further education

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Further education (FE) includes any study after secondary education that’s not part of higher education (that is, not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree).

Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

FE also includes 3 types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds:

  • level 3 tech levels to specialise in a specific technical job
  • level 2 technical certificates help get employment or progress to another tech level
  • applied general qualifications to continue general education at advanced level through applied learning.

Post 16 opportunities

Young people now have a lot more choices regarding education after 16. It no longer means just staying at school full time. The following options are available.

Check post 16 opportunities for young people.

Further education courses and funding - GOV.UK

Further education (FE) includes any study after secondary education that’s not part of higher education (that is, not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree).

Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

FE also includes 3 types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds:

  • level 3 tech levels to specialise in a specific technical job
  • level 2 technical certificates help get employment or progress to another tech level
  • applied general qualifications to continue general education at advanced level through applied learning.

Many courses in reading, writing and basic maths are free, and you may not have to pay for tuition if you’re under 24 and studying for your first qualification equivalent to GCSE or A level.

UCAS - search for courses, uni, colleges, apprenticeships and information

UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It's the centralised service that students use to apply to university.

The last date to apply is usually in September. The main difference is that applications received after January aren't guaranteed equal consideration (where course providers consider all applications equally).

Slough post-16 travel

All young people carrying on their education post 16 must reapply for travel support.

‘Sixth form age’ refers to those young people who are:

  • over 16 years of age and under 19 or
  • continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday (years 12,13,14).

Find details of travel support available on Slough Borough Council website.

Virtual School support - Slough Children First

Starting a new school can be difficult if you’ve moved from your family home or to a new foster home.

The Virtual School isn’t actually a school. If you:

  • are looked after by Slough Children First
  • have left care 

the Virtual School service supports you to achieve your full potential at your real school. 

Virtual School staff:

  • help you choose your options
  • provide career advice
  • keep track of how you’re making progress and achieving.

There is a Headteacher in charge and a board of Governors to make sure things are going as well for you.

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