There are a wide range of Further Education college-based courses in areas such as sport science and fitness instruction.  In 2003/04, over 490 separate qualifications from 81 awarding bodies were identified across the sector

The majority (96%) of those taking academic qualifications are aged under 19. However, the demographic for technical and not accredited qualifications is much older with 38% of students studying technical and 46% of students studying not accredited qualifications were aged over 24.

83% of students are aged under 25 years which is similar to student profiles for sport and recreation, and the outdoors. In caravans, playwork, plus health and fitness, there is an older age profile of students. On health and fitness courses, 40% of students are aged 25 years and over.

10% of the student population on SkillsActive course are from ethnic minority groups.  63% of students on sector related qualifications are male.

There are currently 9 Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVES) in sport, fitness, leisure services, coaching, early years and playwork. CoVEs in the sector are located at: College of West Anglia; Dearne Valley College; Hopwood Hall College; Loughborough College; Richmond upon Thames and Kinston College; SEEVIC College; Sussex Downs College; North Hertfordshire College; and Doncaster College.  SkillsActive is designing the criteria for the future recognition of CoVEs and how they will support the broader agenda for Further Education reform.

In Scotland, there were a total of 18,138 enrolments for Active Leisure and Learning courses in 2003/04.  Enrolments on these courses comprise an even male to female ratio, but playwork has 90% females whilst outdoors and caravans have a majority
of males (76% and 68% respectively).

Source: Assessment of Current Provision – England 2006, data provided by SkillsActive May 2006 and Skills Active regional fact sheet

For the gender profile of further education students see: