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Education and learning
Choosing where to learn
Getting a prospectus and attending an open day can help you to choose where to study - and Ofsted publishes inspection reports on colleges.
Finding a college or learning provider
Many adult learning courses take place in further education colleges and learning centres. This may suit you if you prefer working in a classroom and like the idea of studying alongside other adults.
You can search for your nearest college or learning provider by using the National Careers Service course search.
If you're thinking about e-learning or distance learning, also known as 'home study' or 'self study', you don't need to worry about where the course provider is located. You can study a course offered by a learning provider anywhere in the UK, even internationally.
Support with your learning
As well as support from your tutor, you could get access to a student welfare officer.
If you are disabled or have learning difficulties, a Learning Support Adviser or other member of staff can help you. They will be able to give you advice on support available. All colleges also have a 'Disability Statement' which sets out how the college can help you.
Prospectuses
A prospectus provides detailed information about a college or learning provider. Many prospectuses are available online or you can contact your local college to get a free copy. There may also be leaflets about specific courses.
Prospectuses usually provide:
- an introduction to the college
- detailed information on courses and entry requirements
- information about college facilities such as libraries and access to computers
- information about student support including financial support and childcare
- information about support for disabled students and students with learning difficulties
- practical information such as transport and getting to the college
- information about leisure facilities, clubs and social life
- comments from students about their learning experience and what they go on to do after their course
- information about links with organisations, business and industry
Open days
Colleges often hold open days or events, and sometimes take part in exhibitions or fairs with other colleges. At an open day you can:
- talk to tutors about the course and college
- look around the college facilities, including the library and computer facilities
- get an overview of support available such as financial support and childcare
- talk to support staff about provision for disabled students and students with special needs
- see if the college is easy for you to get to
- talk to students and former students about the course and the college
- find out what former students are doing after their course
- see if the leisure facilities and social life appeal to you
- see if it's somewhere you would like to study
Getting inspection reports on colleges
State-funded (known as ‘maintained’) colleges are inspected by Ofsted. You can find inspection reports on colleges in your area on the Ofsted website.
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