Further Education

Teaching in Further Education (otherwise known as post-16, post-compulsory or lifelong learning) brings teachers into contact with a wide range of ages, from school leavers to adults returning to learning. You may teach an A level subject plus vocational and/or basic skills courses. Sixth Form colleges teach 16 – 19 year olds and other further educational colleges teach students aged 16+.

Due to the diverse needs of this cohort the qualification required focuses more on developing different approaches to teaching and learning than on specific subjects. Training courses therefore are generic rather than subject specific, although you can opt to do subject specific modules.

You would be responsible for planning, delivery and assessment in your caseload and may be expected to undertake other duties as required.

Classes take place during the evening as well as in the daytime so you would need to be flexible. Hours of employment can vary according to need, so part time hours are more common in this sector than in primary or secondary.

Training and qualifying

Thinking about who and what you want to teach will help you to make an informed choice about which route/qualification is best for you:

  • Do you want to teach adults or young people aged 16–19?
  • Do you want to teach an academic A Level syllabus or more vocational subjects?
  • Would you like to teach in a sixth form or sixth form college setting or in a Further Education (FE) College or Community College/Community Education setting?
  • It is important to note that some FE only qualifications may restrict you from teaching in a school.

There are a range of routes into the FE teaching sector. Please look at the links provided below.

Work Experience

  • Professional work experience is useful for vocational subjects; there is generally no expectation to have classroom work experience, though it is welcome if you do possess it.
  • You need to be informed about the sector, and research it in depth; admissions tutors advise that it's important not to go into it because you think the age group will be more motivated.

Getting a teaching job

Further education or adult education institutions vary in size while many will advertise in the national press, The Guardian and TES, some institutions may only advertise in local papers and on their own websites.