This volume presents a detailed statistical overview of further education in the United Kingdom for the academic year 1971-1972. It compiles data from various educational institutions and administrative bodies to provide a comprehensive picture of the sector's structure, resources, and student population. The report aims to serve as a foundational reference for understanding the landscape of post-secondary education during this period.

This publication is a primary source document, offering invaluable raw data for historians, sociologists, and economists studying the development of education policy and provision in the UK. Its detailed statistical tables provide a granular view of the further education sector at a specific point in time. The report's authority stems from its origin within the Department of Education and Science, ensuring a level of official accuracy and comprehensiveness for its era.