02/06/2026
‘Further education’ is your next step after finishing secondary school. In the UK, you have to do some form of study or training until the age of 18. The main forms of further education are college (BTEC Nationals or T Levels), sixth form (A Levels or BTEC Nationals), and advanced apprenticeships.
❓ Do I have to have a GCSE in a subject to study it at college/sixth form?
Not necessarily. Often, you’ll be asked to have at least 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 including Maths and English to study at sixth form, college, or an advanced apprenticeship. Sometimes, you may be expected to have a higher grade in the subjects you are applying to study or a similar subject.
However, there are more subject options at Level 3 than GCSE. This means that for some subjects, it would be impossible for you to have already studied them! In this case, as long as you can show an interest in the subject and ideally some similar subjects at GCSE, you are likely to be accepted.
❓ Can I do further education after age 18 and do I have to pay?
There is no upper age limit to study further education in the UK. However, if you would like to attend college aged 19 or over, you may be expected to pay a fee for this. Financial support is available for those in further education of all ages, such as the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund and the Advanced Learning Loan.
❓ Why do we need further education?
Further education prepares you for work and university, giving students practical training, specialised knowledge, and transferable skills, while offering a greater sense of independence. Because you can choose the subject and type of further education you want (sixth form vs college vs apprenticeship), you can choose an education path which actually suits your strengths and guides you towards your dream career.
