Writing for FE Week, Eddie Playfair reflects on what AoC are doing to support our members through challenging and difficult conversations around global conflict. Read article in full: https://feweek.co.uk/dont-shy-away-from-talking-to-students-about-global-conflict/

New guidance for FE colleges 📘 We’ve launched two new resources to help colleges use the WSCA ISAT and OSAT tools alongside the AoC Mental Health Charter. Access the resources here: https://pulse.ly/npfw1208ha #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

It's #BlackInclusionWeek. 📅 This week serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity in driving meaningful change and shaping an inclusive FE sector where everyone can thrive. Learn more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter: https://lnkd.in/4G0r4+

The AoC Beacon Awards 2026/27 open for applications on Monday 8 June. This webinar with the Chief Assessor is a chance to understand more about what a good application looks like, the process and a chance to ask questions. Book your place now: https://pulse.ly/akqyyn3ufc #AoCAwards #AoCBeacons

In #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we've published two reports on student and staff mental health which show the perfect storm. 🧠 Read the press release: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/pressure-mounts-for-college-staff-as-student-mental-health-declines-warns-aoc

Responding to latest NFER report, David Hughes argues that competition between providers leaves missed opportunities for learners. Read full response: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/new-approach-to-planning-local-16-18-provision-needed-says-aoc

We've launched the second LSRN publication, Research to transgress: flourishing voices in further education and skills.📃 The report showcases the exceptional work of practitioner researchers in FE. Read more: https://www.aoc.co.uk/research-unit/research-projects/lsrn-publications

We’re hiring a full time Public Affairs Officer (Interim) at the Association of Colleges. If you’re interested in UK politics, with great writing skills, and want to make a difference in FE, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Closing date: 27 May 2026 Apply now: https://pulse.ly/hlvdm3oudl

This afternoon we sent a letter to the Prime Minister, signed by 174 college principals across England, who stand ready to do more, to move fast and to make even more impact. ✉️ The full letter is on our website here: lnkd.in/e53gv6Ua

Fantastic digital insight day at South Staffordshire College with @ufitrust.bsky.social.💻 Great sessions on digital transformation, content creation, capability building and AI. Looking forward to the final event at Wakefield College. #Digital #FurtherEducation #AI

This week, South Staffordshire College are hosting their Digital Insight Day as part of the @aoc-info.bsky.social Digital Insight Hubs initiative If you're an AoC college member, you can learn more and book now: https://bit.ly/4tcvJPI

Celebrating young people this #CollegesWeek2026 💙 At Henshaws Specialist College, students are building independence, confidence and practical skills every day. Every journey is different, and every achievement matters. #LoveOurColleges #HenshawsSpecialistCollege

"Education leads to personal agency. And when you have agency, you have confidence and more opportunities." Happy #CollegesWeek2026! 🎉 In a new #GetTheNationLearning article @hughesdavid.bsky.social, CEO at @aoc-info.bsky.social, sets out why adult education is an investment, not a cost.

Fantastic to see FE and Bradford College highlighted at #PMQs today by @annadixonmp.bsky.social. Great recognition of the impact colleges have - from driving down NEET rates to supporting T Level students into careers in construction & other essential industries. #LoveOurColleges

Annual Conference 2025 is here! The biggest event for the FE sector returns - with key insights, inspiring speakers and dozens of breakout sessions. Join us in Birmingham to celebrate student voice, collaboration and the future of colleges. Book now to secure your place: bit.ly/3UhOHET

On Wednesday afternoon, there was a short debate in Parliament on further education, led by @annadixonmp.bsky.social. Anna spoke at length about the fantastic work of Shipley College in her constituency and highlighted some of the wider challenges that the college sector faces.

"The first Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) can be a blueprint for future skills projects in other priority sectors.” - @hughesdavid.bsky.social responds to yesterday's announcement that colleges can now apply to become one of the first 10 TECs. Read more here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

"The ripple effects will continue for years to come." FE-based research is making waves across the sector. #ResearchFurther #FurtherEducation Discover the lasting impact of Research Further in our latest report: www.aoc.co.uk/research-uni...

Join us for our Digital Futures Conference next week. Explore how colleges are embedding digital innovation to empower staff and students, with expert keynotes, practical breakout sessions, and inspiring case studies. Book your place now: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

We are pleased to share our #ResearchFurther impact report which highlights the impact of practitioner research on the college sector. Our Research Further project is an initiative set up with @NCFE and supported by @edgeuk.bsky.social and @E_T_Foundation. Read more: www.aoc.co.uk/research-uni...

Great to see today's article by the The Independent on college leaders from all four nations urging the Prime Minister to prioritise further education ahead of the spending review. Read more here: www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

College principals from across the UK have united to call on the Prime Minister to invest in colleges in a first-of-its-kind letter ahead of the spending review. @hughesdavid.bsky.social Read our full announcement: aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

For the first time in living memory, #furthereducatioin #college leaders from all 4 UK nations have united with one clear message to the Prime Minister: ✅ Invest in colleges to grow the economy 📈 🔗 Read more: www.colegau.cymru/cy/blog/post...

On the government’s skills funding announcement AoC Chief Executive @hughesdavid.bsky.social said “Additional investment into skills is always welcome, particularly when it is focused on key priority areas such as construction, digital and healthcare." Read more here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

“This extra funding aimed at supporting colleges to be able to match the pay increase recommended for school teachers is great news" - @hughesdavid.bsky.social welcomes £160m investment for 16 to 19 study programmes in colleges. Read our full response here: aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Applications for AoC Student of the Year are now open for 2025/26! The awards highlight the fantastic work that students are doing in colleges as well as the lengths colleges go to support their students. #AoCStudentAwards #LoveOurColleges Apply now: aoc.co.uk/awards/stude...

Another excellent College Alliance meeting - always so much to take away from conversations with our neighbours - to build stronger, adaptive systems. @aoc-info.bsky.social @lewis-cooper.bsky.social @hughesdavid.bsky.social

"It is vital that policymakers prioritise investment in preventative mental health strategies if we are to comprehensively and sustainably support student and staff wellbeing." - Jen Hope on the AoC Mental Health Report, published today. Read more: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

During yesterday's work and pensions questions in the commons, several MPs highlighted the work colleges do in this space. It was fantastic to see @joshsimonsmp.bsky.social highlight the crucial role of colleges like Wigan and Leigh College in preparing young people for trades.

Join us at AoC Governors' Summit to gain insights on how further education colleges can partner with employers to meet critical skills shortages. Secure your place: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

This #StressAwarenessMonth2025, we highlight our Mental Health Charter, which has laid a strong foundation to ensure well-being and mental health are priority issues for leaders and governors in colleges. Learn more about our charter: www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-se...

Join AoC as a Marketing Manager. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in creating and delivering marketing campaigns, ideally within a membership or education context. Applications close on 29 April, apply here: associationofcolleges.livevacancies.co.uk#/job/details...

"Deconstructing educational choices requires an individualistic approach to understanding a young person’s world from their viewpoint," says Suki Dhesi, Vice Principal (Students, Learning and Quality) at HSDC in our new #ThinkFurther blog. Read more: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Don't miss out on the first webinar in this year's Research Further series. Gain insights from three of our scholars about their ongoing research projects. Book now: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

Our latest blog covers Pearson's updates on vocational sports qualifications, focusing on the effects of qualification reform and new technical qualifications. Read here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

"I welcome this report as an important contribution to progressing devolution, helping us to transform the skills system in England," says Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire. Read more here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

This #StressAwarenessMonth2025, we highlight our Mental Health Charter, which has laid a strong foundation to ensure well-being and mental health are priority issues for leaders and governors in colleges. Learn more about our charter: www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-se...

"Safeguarding in further education is an increasingly complex and demanding field that requires strategic leadership, innovative practices, and systemic support," says David Holloway from AoC in our new #ThinkFurther blog. Read more here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

"It will open up thousands of opportunities for young people and adults to get the skills they need and which employers are crying out for." - @hughesdavid.bsky.social welcomes the Chancellor's £625 million college infrastructure investment. Read our full response here: aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

In partnership with Ufi VocTech Trust we have launched Empowering FE: enhancing skills with technology. Please complete the survey to help shape the direction of this multi-year partnership. The deadline to submit your responses is 4 April. Find out more here: www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-se...

The government has announced a boost to construction funding, including a range of measures that will impact colleges - read our full response here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we spotlight a blog by Rachel Whitton that discusses the challenges women in the further education sector face during menopause, and advocates for more support from employers. Read the full blog here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Join us from 4pm-5pm on Thursday 20 March for our Colleges' National Green Week live Q&A to hear from South Thames College and London South East Colleges on how they have built sustainable learning environments. #CNGW2025 Register here: t.co/pg1D4ww44q

We’re pleased to announce that Luminate Education Group is the 100th signatory of the AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter, highlighting UK colleges' commitment to promoting change in the FE sector. Sign up to the charter here: www.aoc.co.uk/our-equality...

Register now for our Colleges' National Green Week live Q&A on Thursday 20 March! Watch our on-demand webinar to see how South Thames College and London South East Colleges have built sustainable learning environments and then join us for this interactive session! #CNGW2025 aoc.co.uk/corporate-se...

It is officially Colleges' National Green Week! Join us in celebrating the excellent sustainability and climate change work happening in colleges. #CNGW2025 Find out more and get involved: aoc.co.uk/corporate-se...

Learn about the need for greater collaboration between colleges, universities, and local authorities to tackle skills issues and drive long-term economic development in our new #ThinkFurther blog. Read the full blog here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Thank you to Liberal Democrat Skills and Universities Spokesperson @iansollom.bsky.social for raising recent funding decisions on the funding of only two-thirds of in-year growth and cuts to the adult skills fund during education questions in the House of Commons.

"The FE sector cannot help solve the SEND crisis if both types of FE provider are not recognised as equally valuable parts of the same system," says Clare Howard OBE, CEO of Natspec. Read the full blog here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

"Last week showed our colleges are the ideal places for female students to feel empowered, explore new career paths and find their way into workplaces without barriers," says Charlotte Smith, Youth Social Action Apprentice. Read more here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...