INSIGHT: Colleges at the Heart of UK Government Missions

The report emphasises that colleges are not just places of learning, but are key community hubs that support individuals, employers and local economies – with an important role to play in driving regional growth, supporting public health and wellbeing, in delivering the green transition and in enabling diverse, safe, cohesive communities. Colleges are described as "engines of opportunity and growth", and the report showcases many examples of how English colleges are already actively working towards these UK Government missions. However, it also makes clear that colleges are operating with limited resources and that their full potential is not being realised due to systemic constraints.

The Five Missions and the Role of Colleges

The report focuses on five core missions, which will now guide UK government policy and funding decisions:

• Kickstart Economic Growth: Colleges are essential for providing the skills needed to boost productivity and support innovation. They work closely with employers to deliver relevant training, as illustrated by the Airport Academy, a collaboration between Manchester Airport Group and the Trafford and Stockport College Group.
• Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower: Colleges are uniquely positioned to support the transition to a green economy by training people for jobs in low-carbon sectors. For example, the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) is developing advanced skills in areas such as engineering and sustainable construction.
• Take Back Our Streets: Colleges contribute to safer communities by offering positive pathways for young people, supporting rehabilitation, and promoting inclusion. The partnership between Greater Manchester colleges and the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (GMVRU) is a strong example.
• Break Down Barriers to Opportunity: Colleges provide education and training to a diverse range of people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and with learning difficulties. Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College’s ‘Closing the Gap’ project highlights this commitment.
• Build an NHS Fit for the Future: Colleges are central to training the future health and social care workforce. The Heart of Worcestershire College’s Smart Living Academy is one example of a college innovating to support the sector.

Key Findings and Recommendations

The report stresses that colleges need increased government investment and support to fully realise their potential. It calls for:

• Colleges to be engaged as key partners for the delivery of each mission.
• Local partnerships between colleges and other leaders.
• Increased investment to support college operations, staff and resources.
• Proactive and creative thinking about the role of colleges across all missions.

Relevance

Although this report focused on English case studies, the themes and challenges it addresses will resonate across the UK and Ireland with the similar strategic priorities around economic growth, sustainability, community safety, social inclusion, and healthcare. Colleges in all nations will equally be playing a vital role in delivering on those priorities. Although the specific missions may be different, the core role of colleges in providing accessible education and training, supporting their local communities, and driving regional economies is a shared goal for all. The issues and solutions in this report will undoubtedly be of interest to education policy makers in all nations, and we’re sure there are many case study examples you can think of within your own locality.

Support College Week and Showcase Your Work

The AoC invite you all to get involved in their college’s week initiative, which this year will focus on the UK Government’s five missions. This dedicated week is an opportunity for all colleges to showcase the work that they are doing and celebrate our amazing institutions. By working together, colleges across the UK and Ireland can have an even greater positive impact on our communities – building better futures for all. Find out more.