fforwm – the national organisation that represents all of Wales' 24 further education (FE) colleges and institutions - was rebranded as ColegauCymru / CollegesWales in November 2009. A new website is in construction. Visit www.collegeswales.ac.uk or www.colegaucymru.ac.uk to take a look.

ColegauCymru / CollegesWales is the national organisation representing the 22 further education (FE) colleges and two FE institutions in Wales. ColegauCymru / CollegesWales was created (as fforwm) in 1993 as an educational charity and a company limited by guarantee. ColegauCymru / CollegesWales provides a range of services to its members including networks, conferences, research, consultancy and the sharing of good practice. It also works closely with a wide range of partners in post-16 education and training. Through ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, colleges are represented on various committees, working parties and other groups influencing and shaping policy in post-16 education, training and life-long learning.

ColegauCymru / CollegesWales and the FE sector in Wales

ColegauCymru / CollegesWales is pivotal in communicating the further education (FE) college sector's needs and aspirations to a wide variety of stakeholders. ColegauCymru / CollegesWales also facilitates the spread of good practice across the sector through a comprehensive series of Networks and Conferences.

The FE sector is a key player in helping to deliver the Welsh Assembly Government's aims to widen participation, tackle social exclusion and stimulate economic regeneration. Colleges in Wales offer 80% of all post-16 qualifications and provide learning experiences for almost 300,000 people in Wales. The sector is committed to the provision of high quality education and training that is responsive to the needs of individuals, communities and business.

Colleges in Wales vary considerably in size, numbers and type of students and the range of programmes and services offered. They include general FE, tertiary, land-based, or designated colleges, including one Catholic Sixth Form College and a residential adult education college. Some colleges are primarily vocational, others run mainly academic programmes, while others offer both. Colleges may provide specialist subjects, leisure courses for adults and courses aimed at students from overseas. Colleges maintain close links with local industry, running a wide range of programmes tailored to meet the needs of local and national business.

Key Facts

295,000 learners study at Further Education Institutions (FEIs) per year
83.5% of learners at FEIs study part time
97% of learners at FEIs are domiciled in Wales
7% of HE students study in FEIs
64% of learners aged 16-18 study at college
Colleges have more learners in total than higher education institutions
Over 12,000 learners on Work Based Learning Programmes
There has been a 114% increase in part-time learner enrolments between 1992/93 (when colleges became incorporated) and 2002/03
FEIs deliver almost 80% of all post-16 qualifications outside higher education
HMI Inspection results show FEIs in Wales delivering a higher percentage of provision at Grades 1 and 2 than English counterparts
Attainment and achievement of learners at FEIs has increased annually by 3 percentage points over the last three years