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Over 80% of students enrolled in [UK] colleges of further education [FE] are over the age of 19, and over 77% are over 21. Recent policy objectives have placed heavy emphasis on the colleges’ role in 14-19 education, with the consequent financial priorities, which may be putting some of their equally important work with adults at risk. This policy discussion paper reviews the current position of the FE sector and its recent history since the incorporation of colleges in 1993. It explores the impact of current policies of both the Government and the Department for Education and Skills, and concludes with a number of key policy recommendations, identifying who should take responsibility for their realisation. The paper serves as a reminder of the fundamental importance of FE colleges to the achievement of a learning society and for the creation of a lifelong learning culture. It asks those working in the sector, and those responsible for policy, to remember and protect the essential vision and purposes of FE, and to ensure that pressing current priorities, vital though they are, do not deflect from the equally necessary wider ambitions.

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