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90% of Further Education college leavers reported a positive outcome

Date published: 04 August 2026

Topics: Education and skills

New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department for the Economy present information on the outcomes of Further Education (FE) college leavers in Northern Ireland during the 2024/25 academic year.

Key findings

  • 90% of FE college leavers reported a positive outcome, meaning they were in employment, further study, or both within six months of achieving their qualification.
  • Over half (57%) of FE college leavers were in employment six months after achieving their qualification, while 33% had re-enrolled in education.
  • Of those in employment, 57% were in a ‘good job’, 46% required their FE qualification for their role, and 95% were working in Northern Ireland.
  • One quarter (25%) of employed FE college leavers were working in priority sectors of the Northern Ireland economy.
  • Of those who continued in education, 69% required their FE qualification to gain a place on their course and 86% progressed to study at a higher level.
  • 5% of FE college leavers were unemployed six months after achieving their qualification.

About this publication

This report presents findings from the twelfth annual Survey of Further Education College Leavers. It examines the outcomes of students approximately six months after completing and achieving their qualification. It includes information on employment, further learning and unemployment outcomes.

Further information

Read the full report: Further Education Outcomes 2024/25

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