Further education (FE) is the education that follows year 11. This is usually taught in a sixth-form college, as part of a school 6^th Form (Years 12 & 13) or at FE colleges. Since 2013 if you leave school after Year 11 you must be in some sort of education, training or employment & training until you are 18 years old. You can study for A/Levels or Vocational qualifications (BTEC, NVQ etc), start an apprenticeships or traineeship, work or volunteer for 20hrs or more per week while in part-time education or training.

Schools and colleges will have their own prospectus covering the courses that they can offer students, they will also have open days and evenings so that you can find out more before applying for a place. Most courses you will need to have gained a certain number of GCSE’s at certain grades each course will list their requirements. If you are unsure of the Colleges or 6^th Forms in your area you can search online at https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course

For an overview of Further Education available in England please visit the Government website. www.gov.uk/further-education-courses

You may be eligible to the government 16-19 Bursary Fund, visit website for more details. www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

If you are 19 years or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship, you may be able to get  Learner Support (LS), this is available from the education establishment that you attend, where they will look at family circumstances and income. For more information please use the following link. www.gov.uk/learner-support

People over the age of 24 years now have the chance to apply for Advanced Learning Loan, this enables you to apply for level 3 or 4 course (e.g A'levels). If your course starts after 1st August 2016 the criteria will change and students from the age of 19 years will be able to apply check website for more details, about course type etc. www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

If you are a young person who needs help towards childcare for your child and you are under 20 years, you may be entitled to Care to Learn please visit the following website for more details. www.gov.uk/care-to-learn

Higher education (HE) is studying post 18 years of age, usually taking place at universities, or other colleges and institutions that award academic degrees or professional qualifications.

Universities & Colleges Admission Service - UCAS is the organisation that manages applications to higher education undergraduate courses in the UK. Prospective students can find out about the range of different courses available, how to apply and financial information on their website. Once you have made a shortlist of the universities you are interested in, you will have the opportunity to visit the establishments on their open days before you complete your application. Advice and guidance will also be available from your school or college. www.ucas.com

There are other websites that provide information about courses and the universities/colleges: www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/courses www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/choosing-a-course

www.gov.uk/higher-education-courses-find-and-apply

Site where you can compare universities and colleges. www.officeforstudents.org.uk

There are a number of sites with advice for students and their parents/carers concerning Student Finance. For a comprehensive overview of the process, eligibility for students and how to apply, visit the government website from which you can access a number of sites for further information. www.gov.uk/student-finance To register for student finance use the following link www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login

There are other useful websites that explain the process students go through if they are eligible or if they are not.  www.thestudentroom.co.uk/student-finance 

For students who want to have some advice and tips on how they can budget and manage their finances, these sites are useful. www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-guide 

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/after-you-start/budgeting-for-university

Extra Financial help may be available for students who use registered childcare for their children, www.gov.uk/childcare-grant you must be eligible for student finance to access this grant. There is also two, three and four year education and childcare funding.

The National Union of Students (NUS) is a voluntary membership organisation for all students in higher and further education they campaign to defend and extend the rights of students. You can also buy an NUS extra card which offers students various discounts at participating shops and food outlets. www.nus.org.uk