The Further Education and adult learningsector (FE sector) playsan important role in improving socio-economic outcomes and supporting social mobility. A disproportionate number of learners in the FE sector are from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to other post16 education routes: nearly a third of students are from the 20% most deprived areas in England.FE students are also likely to be on low incomes, with 25% claiming outofwork benefits before they started their course.