Exploring Provision for 14 to 16 Year Olds in Further Education in England Survey, 2023

Further education (FE) colleges in England now educate around 10,000 students aged 14 to 16 across 160 institutions, yet this group remains largely overlooked in research and policy. To address this gap, AoC and IOE UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society conducted a two-year study, funded by Nuffield Foundation, to understand the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes of 14 to 16-year-olds in FE.

The project used linked National Pupil Database and Individual Learner Record data, a national survey of colleges, interviews with senior leaders and in-depth fieldwork in 10 colleges to explore this hitherto neglected provision. The research learner characteristics, the educational offer, the experiences that enable young people to develop their potential, and how the social ecosystem functions at individual, institutional and community levels.

Findings revealed the transformative potential of FE for students who struggle in mainstream school, in terms of engagement, attendance and attitude. Colleges offer flexible, individualised programmes aligned to needs and interests, with an emphasis on vocational learning, employability skills and enrichment. Smaller class sizes and a more relaxed environment enables young people to feel more at home in college than in a secondary school. Given the vulnerability of many of these learners, pastoral and mental health support is central to provision success, with strong relationships built on care and understanding in place. However, delivery and expansion face persistent barriers. Considering that many of the students have previously had disrupted education experiences, the research finds that progression rates for the cohort are positive.

The study highlights several implications for policy and practice, including the need for clearer guidance covering all types of 14 to 16 provision, more equitable and sustainable funding, enhanced data collection and monitoring, and stronger coordination between schools, colleges and local authorities.