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This document presents a review of research literature on student retention and achievement in the further education (FE) sector in Scotland. It has been commissioned by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) as part of its revised approach to quality, which includes a revised quality framework for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) review of colleges and the development of new activities designed to promote continuous quality improvement. Retention and achievement is the first national enhancement theme. The literature review was undertaken between March and April 2005 by Critical Thinking and the Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU) with advisory support from the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA). It focuses on the UK further education (FE) sector and provides: analysis of current research on issues relating to retention and achievement in FE; examples of good practice; and a primary evidence base for the development of activities on the theme of retention and achievement. The report comprises: an overview of the literature examined; a consideration of the reasons for learner withdrawal; an analysis of the literature with regard to the categories of the SFEFC/HMIE quality framework; conclusions and recommendations; and a bibliography. The authors found a substantial body of 'indigenous' literature, both evidential and practice based, relating to retention and achievement. A significant amount of this work was from, and about, the FE sector. It is concluded that this literature, being informed by an 'indigenous' policy, and structural and cultural understanding, is the best reference for examining issues of retention and achievement in FE. Show less