Association of Colleges
About Colleges
About Colleges:
Colleges provide a rich mix of academic and vocational education. It may be at any level above compulsory education, from basic training to Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree. As autonomous institutions incorporated by Act of Parliament they have the freedom to innovate and respond flexibly to the needs of individuals, business and communities.
Colleges in the UK that are regarded as part of the Further Education sector include General FE and Tertiary Colleges; Sixth Form Colleges; Specialist Colleges (Agriculture and Horticulture, Art and Design, Specialist Designated)
Number and list of Colleges at 1 February 2012:
| Colleges in the UK | 412 |
| Colleges in England | 345 |
| General Further Education Colleges | 222 |
| Sixth Form Colleges | 94 |
| Land-based Colleges | 16 |
| Art, Design and Performing Arts Colleges | 3 |
| Specialist Designated Colleges | 10 |
| Colleges in Scotland | 41 |
| Colleges in Wales | 20 |
| Colleges in Northern Ireland | 6 |
Other types of Colleges:
- Independent Specialist Colleges
List of 72 Natspec (Association of National Specialist Colleges) Colleges at June 2011:
Natspec Colleges
