I will be coming to the UK in mid January, and in true Yorkshire fashion, would like to get out of it as cheaply as possible, hopefully I can write some of the trip off my income tax, but I need some info first. In Australia we have the usual three tiers of education, I work in the tertiary sector for a College of Technical and Further Education. Historically, these were established as trades training schools but about 10 or 15 years ago, Teacher training colleges, colleges of advanced education, institutes of higher education were either amalgamated with universities or became unis in their own right. The technical colleges moved in to teach the diploma and associate degree courses that were now no longer available. What is the equivalent of a TAFE in the UK?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-61

John, there are better qualified than me to answer this, but its very similar here. Many technology and training colleges have become Universities. For example, there are four Universities in Liverpool now. These 'newer' ones thus converted cannot possibly hope to have the same status as the good old established ones. A neighbour told me that her daughter was going to study at Oxford. It took a while for the truth to come out that it wasnt Oxford University.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Brian's right about the UK system, John, ie what you describe in Aus. sounds very similar. The "Techs." and T.T.Colleges(eg.Dudley in both cases)have either dropped that part of their title to become known simply as Colleges (providing a somewhat broader curriculum than previously, including some A-levels and foundation courses), or have been amalgamated to form new universities. Some of these progressed via "Polytechnic" status (what we used to know as "C.A.Ts." in the 60s. In other cases they serve as specialist faculties (eg Art, Education)of longer established unis.

I'm really pleased to have been able to clarify all that for you, Marcus. I owed you one!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-65

ok, now for part 2 of my question, does anyone know if these "institutions" provide any sort of counselling service to their students? My brief within my college is to provide educational, vocational and personal counselling, ie make sure that they have picked out the correct course for theior appropriately chosen career and then hold their hand when their world comes tumbling down around their ears.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-61

Yes, almost (if not completely) without exception. It's the growing industry after all. I suspect many undergo counselling after embarking on the WRONG course, however!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-65

Counselling in such institutions generally has two strands. The strand that Brian refers to is often carried out by "personal tutors" who deal with supporting students in relation to a range of practical issues. Universities and colleges often also employ trained counsellors.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-65

Current location (optional) leeds

ok, now for part 3, could anyone give me an introduction to someone currently working in this area? Preferably either in SE England or West Yorkshire. I shall be in the UK from mid January to mid February 2009. May even be able to catch up with some of you.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-61

Current location (optional) Blue Mountains, Australia via Haworth

OK. I'll give him a call today and e-mail you with the outcome.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-65

Current location (optional) leeds

Thanks Shaun

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-61

Current location (optional) Blue Mountains, Australia via Haworth