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Stephen Evans 1

Think Further

Read our new Think Further blog, 'When it comes to lifelong learning, are we any closer to the College of the Future?' by Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute.

APPG meeting

APPG inquiry on adult education

The APPG on Further Education and Lifelong Learning has launched an inquiry into adult education.

Despite the many benefits of adult education being well-established – as a powerful tool for economic growth, employability, personal growth, health and wellbeing and social cohesion – it has suffered from decades of underinvestment and underappreciation from successive governments.

As a result, learning opportunities for adults have decreased by millions, and across the country, large swathes of the population are locked out of the skills they need to progress in their careers, build confidence and connect with others.

The APPG will hold five sessions with MPs, learning providers and leading organisations in adult education, as well as inviting written submissions via an online call for evidence.

Health report

From treatment to prevention: how colleges can build a healthier society

At the Association of Colleges, we have taken the government’s mission-led approach seriously by shining a light on the role colleges play in tackling some of the knottiest and longstanding challenges for our country. Our approach is to describe what colleges do already, to better understand how that might be scaled up and how more impact can be achieved with the right engagement with Whitehall and other partners.

We explored this initially through our Mission Accepted report last year – where we shared examples of the work colleges play across all five missions - and now publish this report to dive more deeply into the preventative health ambition.

Our website gives members:

  • Access to member-only content
  • A personalised homepage
  • Content across the site tailored to your interests.

If you do not already have a log-in for the AoC website, you can register here.

95%

AoC members make up almost 95% of the college sector - transforming millions of lives each year.

Upcoming events

Ascentis Access to HE Coffee Morning

Ascentis is hosting a morning of insight and discussion focused on Access to HE. The event will feature updates from Ascentis, contributions from industry speakers and valuable opportunities for networking...

Venue: Capital City College Westminster centre, London, England

Date: 4 March 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 AM

Fee: Free to attend

AoC Strategic Governance Masterclass Series 2026

The AoC Strategic Governance Masterclass Series offers a unique opportunity for college governors, governance professionals, clerks, and senior leaders to deepen their understanding of strategic oversight and strengthen the impact...

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 4 March 2026

Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Fee: From £55 +VAT per session for AoC members

AoC Northern Chairs Network

This network is exclusively for Governing Body Chairs from AoC member colleges across the three northern regions. If this applies to you, you should have already received a calendar invitation...

Venue: Online via MS Teams

Date: 10 March 2026

Time: 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM

AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2026

AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2026 Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March 2026, 9:30 – 12:45 Join colleagues from across further education at the AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion...

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 11 March 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Fee: Starting at £185 + VAT per delegate

AoC North West Governance Professionals Network

This network is exclusively for Governance Professionals and Clerks from AoC member colleges and groups in the North West region. If this applies to you, you should have already received...

Venue: In-person

Date: 11 March 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Engaging with local and national organisations to support the delivery of youth social action

This webinar is for AoC members only Join us to discuss how working with local and national organisations can support the delivery of youth social action projects. You will hear...

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 12 March 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Fee: Free for AoC members only

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AoC

Association of Colleges is the national voice for further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges in England. We are a not-for-profit membership organisation established in 1996 by colleges, for colleges.

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AoC Sport

AoC Sport is the membership organisation for colleges, leading the development of sport and physical activity in 16+ education. We believe that sport and physical activity are essential components of college life, giving students significant advantages in education, employment and health.

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AoC Jobs

The market leading job board for the college sector. AoC Job’s sole purpose is to help people like you find a career in one of our colleges and support our students to achieve their learning goals.

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AoC Charitable Trust

The AoC Charitable Trust’s primary purpose is to raise funds and oversee their application for the benefit of post-16 education and its vision is to have great colleges transforming lives and communities.