Science education at post-16 has had a high profile recently. Increasing the quality and quantity of STEM education is seen as a route to economic prosperity for both the individual and the nation. The post-16 sector is being encouraged to produce more STEM undergraduates and more STEM-skilled entrants to the industry with an emphasis on technicians. However, even those who work in post-16 science do not have a clear picture of the sector. This article is restricted to post-16 science in England, and particularly in colleges. This is the area where the author works, and therefore writes from personal experience and knowledge. He hopes to provide information that is unexpected and will generate some discussion.