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Partnerships

AoC champions colleges to train and educate the future workforce, supporting every young person and adult to attain and maintain the skills they will need throughout their lives, contributing to social mobility and economic productivity. We work with a range of partners who are aligned with our values and aims, helping to positively impact the further education sector and changing the lives of those who study in colleges.

Partners have a wide range of opportunities to engage with AoC, this includes:

  • Influencing education policy in England and across the devolved nations
  • Lobbying government in support of colleges through our campaigns
  • Promoting your organisation and services to colleges
  • Engaging with students through our programmes
  • Championing the good work carried out across the sector through our Awards programme
  • Attending or sponsoring our events
  • Being involved with impactful projects and research initiatives.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a partner, contact partnerships@aoc.co.uk

Our commercial partners

Case studies and testimonials

Here are some examples of how we work with organisations who have similar values and aims as us, to enhance our work, expand our reach and maximise the impact of our support to the further education sector.

NCFE

NCFE is an educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning. They combine over 170 years of education experience with deep insight to shape smarter solutions around the greatest learning needs.

Through our partnership, we are addressing the gap in research in the FE sector.

Fifteen scholars are undertaking a wide range of research to benefit the FE sector. AoC has shared the findings of their research through a range of mediums from Think Pieces, webinars, topic-specific conferences, and at the AoC Annual Conference. The scholars have also spent time sharing how to conduct research for wider FE staff interested in taking part in their own research.

The impact of this partnership has strengthened FE specific research and improved pedagogy and practice through building strong evidence bases for teachers and trainers.

Image of 5 Research Further scholars with the words 'Research Further'

Pearson

Pearson is the world’s leading awarding organisation, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data.

Pearson is the headline sponsor for AoC’s Annual Conference, our flagship event that brings together senior leaders from across the sector to learn, share and network. This sponsorship sits alongside a longstanding partnership with a wide range of other initiatives that are used to support and influence the sector.

Through our partnership, we facilitate interactions with key decision makers in colleges, provide a platform for Pearson to showcase the work that they do and create a meaningful impact on student’s outcomes.

Edge Foundation

AoC’s values and missions are well aligned with the Edge Foundation, an independent foundation working to inspire the education system to give all young people in the UK access to quality teaching and learning experiences.

Edge Foundation are sponsors of the Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning and the Young Student of the Year Award. AoC’s Awards programme celebrates the excellent and innovative practice in the sector and showcases inspiring students studying in colleges.

The impact of the Awards includes:

  • Raised profile of the college across the sector and in the community
  • Students and staff have developed a sense of pride in their achievements
  • Improved staff motivation
  • Utilised the award to develop their initiative further

Edge Foundation have been integral in shaping the criteria of the Awards, assessing, and awarding commended and winning colleges and creating greater links and collaboration with colleges across England.

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