Full-time enrolment of 14 to 16-year-olds in further education and sixth-form colleges

Further education and sixth-form colleges are able to enrol students aged 14 to 16 on a full-time study programme and receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Such programmes include the study of technical qualifications alongside general qualifications, including English and mathematics, within the key stage 4 curriculum.

This guidance summarises funding arrangements, including for electively home-educated children. You can find more information in the funding regulations for post-16 provision, in the ‘Students under 16’ section.

The guidance explains:

• the timeline for delivery in 2023 and 2024
• college and student eligibility criteria
• statutory duties and other requirements colleges must follow
• funding arrangements
• intervention and performance measures
• data collection and publication requirements
• a list of institutions intending to enrol

It is for:

• college leaders and governing bodies
• school leaders and governing bodies
• local authorities
• parents and carers
• students