As Colleges grow in importance as a sector of the English Education System, so College Clubs and Societies are increasing in number and popularity. We have a quick look at what is on offer around the UK.
For many on the education system train – the last or last-but-one stop is a college
For many young people, an undergraduate degree at a university is the last stop on the formal education route. Just before that comes a college. It used to be the norm that most students did their post 16 education in a school sixth-form. Then came sixth form colleges. Now the lines are even more blurred.
- see a recent article about the naming of educational institutions
- see a summary of some College Stats, Facts & Figures
At school, pretty much all extracurricular activity is organised by the school for the majority of pupils. At University it is much more the case that the students are the ones doing the organising. At college, it appears to be somewhere in between.
Based on what we are seeing, the extracurricular activities, clubs and societies at colleges are growing. They seem to be marginally less well established than the similar groups at universities but give every sign of catching up quickly.
What is on offer?
Just as at the universities around England, the college clubs and societies cover a wide range of interests and activities.
- From almost every sport you can think of, to a serious range of weird and wonderful activities
- From vocational societies that look forward to life beyond college, to volunteering in numerous forms
- From drama and debating to game design and gaming
Starting up College Clubs
Again, as at most universities, if you can’t find a society you fancy at your college, there are often opportunities to set one up. The setting up and running of a college society or club can even earn you brownie points by getting your volunteering efforts recognised by various schemes.
If you establish a new college society or club – don’t forget to come to the Leavers Hoodies Company for your hoodies, t-shirts, caps etc.
College Stats, Facts & Figures
According to the figures published by the Association of Colleges in their document College Key Facts 2021/22 (https://www.aoc.co.uk/sites/default/files/AoC%20College%20Key%20Facts%202021-22.pdf)
There are now 234 colleges in England. These colleges cater for
- 1 million adults studying/training
- 652,000 16-18-year-olds studying
- an additional 55,000 16 -18-year-olds undertaking Apprenticeships through colleges
- 10,500 enrolled 14-15-year-olds
Where 16 to 18-year-olds are studying or working:
- 34% FE and Sixth Form Colleges
- 25% All state-funded schools
- 12% Higher education institutions
- 7% Not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- 5% Independent schools
- 5% Apprenticeships
- 5% Other education and training
- 1% Special schools
Header photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels
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