Researchers explored ways institutions in the post-16 education sector in England and Wales can formulate recruitment and admissions policies that encourage students to stay in college. Data were drawn from the following sources: seminars attended by representatives of the post-16 sector; analysis of the findings of 86 Further Education Funding Council inspection reports; findings of the 3-year Raising Quality and Achievement Programme; and 171 institutions' responses to a survey examining pre-entry guidance and admissions. The study confirmed that greater recognition of the importance of correct course placement, intensive local competition for students, and a desire to widen participation in the sector have led post-16 institutions to review their recruitment and selection processes. The following were among the study recommendations for improving recruitment and selection processes: (1) develop symbiotic relationships with schools; (2) establish and maintain pre-entry relationships with applicants and other pupils through a range of "keeping warm" activities; (3) improve applicants' understanding of their future program of study and what will be expected of them; (4) review entry criteria and ensure that staff apply minimum criteria consistently; (5) ensure greater impartiality in recruitment; (6) improve initial assessment of applicants; and (7) identify "at risk" students at the pre-entry or entry stage. (Contains 12 references.) (MN)