2. Colleges and learners
There are 32 colleges in the Eastern region: 22 general FE colleges, 2 land-based specialist
colleges and 8 sixth-form colleges (one of which opened in September 2011)
90% of the region’s population of 16-17 year olds (144,900) are in some form of education or
training. 70,400 (49 %) study at a college or in work-based learning compared with 50,100 (34%)
who attend a secondary school including academies and city technology colleges.
Of the 4,635,500 learners participating in further education (excluding schools) nationally in
2009/10:
o 23.6% were aged under 19 and 76.4% were aged 19 or over 54.9% were female, 45.1% were
male
o 12.1% declared a learning difficulty, disability or health problem
o 17.5% were from a Black or Minority Ethnic background (including Mixed, Asian, Black and
Chinese or Other Ethnic Group learners)
Students from Black and ethnic minority groups make up 18.5% of learners in the region’s
colleges compared with 8.5% of the general population
Nationally colleges provide 48% of entrants to higher education. More than half of all foundation
degree students are taught in FE and colleges deliver 86% of HNCs and 59% of HNDs. Around
200,000 students nationally study higher education in a college.
21 of the general FE colleges in the region (95%) offer provision at level 4 - higher education. 6 of
these colleges had more than 500 full person equivalents (FPEs)
Hills Road Sixth Form College
3. Success
Almost half of all vocational qualifications are awarded in colleges
Nine out of ten employers using FE for training say it has benefited their business.
Almost 50% of employers using FE say it has specifically increased productivity and helped
employee retention
60% of employers believe it has boosted employee motivation and job satisfaction.
Overall FE Success rates in the Eastern region are 81.5% compared with the all England average
of 80.7%.
Apprentices’ success rates in the region are 72.7% which is equal to the national average.
Overall FE and skills participation in the Eastern Region has grown by 6% between 2007 and
2010.
86% of people think colleges are as important to business competitiveness as universities.
Otley College
Quality/Satisfaction
22 of the 32 colleges in the region (69%) were judged by Ofsted to be good or outstanding; 97%
were satisfactory or better for their quality of provision.
8 of the region’s colleges hold Beacon College status, awarded as recognition of excellence and
innovation in teaching and learning
4. 46% of colleges were judged good or outstanding in overall effectiveness; 95% were judged
satisfactory or better.
HE student in FE colleges are more satisfied with assessment and feedback and student support
than their peers in universities as reported in the National Student Survey of HE students.
Sound Investment
Total income (all sources) for the 32 colleges in the region is some £685m. (2009/10)
Colleges are among the largest employers in a locality. Between them colleges in the region
employ over 10,000 teachers and over 11,000 business support staff
Total annual expenditure for the 32 colleges in the region on staff costs is £425m which is 62% of
the income.
Total annual expenditure for the 32 colleges in the region on operating costs is £186m which is
28% of the income.
North Herts College
Suite 1 Lancaster House
Meadow Lane
St Ives
Cambridgeshire
PE27 4LG
Tel: 01480 468198
Fax: 01480 468601
E-mail: info@acer.ac.uk
www.acer.ac.uk
