The Creating a Greener London college project pilots have submitted case studies for local collaborative approaches to the delivery of green skills for green jobs. https://www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-services/projects/creating-a-greener-london-sustainable-construction-skills/year-1-case-studies

Following this afternoon's funding announcement for colleges, David Hughes reflects on what this means for the sector going forward. Full response here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/aoc-responds-to-dfe-announcement-on-teacher-pay

Have you explored our new Digital Transformation Roadmap yet? Developed in partnership with @ufitrust.bsky.social, the roadmap will help colleges use digital technology and AI to improve outcomes for students, apprentices and staff. Learn more: https://pulse.ly/diqotxdiwj

"Investing in staff and developing their capability is essential to maintaining high-quality provision," say David Hughes, Chief Executive at AoC and Beth Bishop, Director of Projects, Sport and AoC Charitable Trust. Read more: https://pulse.ly/htpic62iyi

"The roadmap is a list of initiatives written without jargon which can guide colleges through a stepped process from foundation to transform to elevate." https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/digital-transformation-roadmap-travelling-in-the-right-direction

Alan Milburn calls for earlier intervention and better coordination to prevent young people from becoming NEET. @blackburncollegeuk.bsky.social is delivering this through its Tiers of Transition project with schools, councils and partners. Read more here: https://pulse.ly/njtxmzg2js

Don't miss your chance to apply for The RCU Award for Student Support. This award recognises colleges that deliver inclusive, high-quality and impactful student support, empowering learners to succeed. Apply here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

#AoCLearningWeek2026 begins today! Join colleagues from across the sector for a dynamic programme of sessions focused on teaching and learning, wellbeing, leadership and the key challenges shaping FE today. https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/aoc-learning-week-2026

Apply for the ION Award for Re-Engaging Young People in Education and Employment to highlight how your college helps learners overcome barriers and progress into education, training, or work. Submit your application: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

In this clip, Raffaela Kihrer, Secretary General at the @eaea.org, discusses how holistic adult learning programmes can support both labour market participation and social inclusion.

Don't miss out on our Equity Exchange next week! Hear about Waltham Forest college's EDI journey over the last few years and how they strive to ensure equity in the opportunities offered through recruitment. https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/edi-equity-exchange-2025-26

"When communities, employers and educators work together, opportunity follows," says Kate Da Costa, Deputy Principal of Cambridge Regional College. Read more here: https://pulse.ly/l89bs7vimd

Diana Sutton, Chief Executive of @thebellfoundation.bsky.social, highlights the importance of the Beacon Awards in showcasing innovative teaching across colleges and celebrating the positive impact on students and communities. Apply now: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards #AoCBeacons

In this blog, Penny Langford shares how the Digital Transformation Roadmap is helping colleges drive digital transformation and innovation across their organisations.https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/digital-transformation-roadmap-travelling-in-the-right-direction

Every college is on a digital journey. The new roadmap helps leaders understand where they are, what’s next and how to elevate practice: https://www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-services/projects/empowering-fe-enhancing-skills-with-technology/digital-roadmap

Have you made an outstanding contribution to the teaching, learning, or support of ESOL learners? Apply for The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL to showcase your achievements. Find out more and apply: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

Last chance to complete and submit your applications for Student of the Year awards! Applications close tomorrow. Don't miss your chance to highlight outstanding individuals and showcase their achievements and successes. Apply now: https://news.aoc.co.uk/q/16vo51gjqC6/wv #AoCStudentAwards

The Young Student of the Year (16–18) award is sponsored by @edgeuk.bsky.social. This category is open to anyone aged 16 to 18-years-old by 31 August 2026. Click here to submit an application: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year #AoCStudentAwards #LoveOurColleges

Join us to hear about Waltham Forest college's EDI journey over the last few years and how they strive to ensure equity in the opportunities offered through recruitment. Secure your place: https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/edi-equity-exchange-2025-26

@blackburncollegeuk.bsky.social ’s Launchpad shows how colleges can re-engage young people with complex barriers through flexible, personalised support. 75% of young people want to work but need earlier and better coordinated support. Read the case study: https://pulse.ly/ovkcylh0y2

“This initiative will allow digital transformation to be front and centre.” Read more in this blog from Penny Langford: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/digital-transformation-roadmap-travelling-in-the-right-direction

In this video Anja Meierkord, Analyst at @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, explores international examples of countries that have significantly grown participation rates over the past decade, examining the reforms and policies that helped drive progress. #AdultLearningPays

At last week's fourth APPG on FE and Lifelong Learning evidence session, Anja Meierkord examined low adult learning participation among those most in need and how education systems can better support people with low foundational skills while reducing inequalities.

Our new roadmap for digital transformation and AI in further education will support colleges in assessing their digital maturity and planning targeted next steps. Explore now: aoc.co.uk/digital-roadmap

The new Digital transformation and AI: a roadmap for the FE sector is live. It also includes a practical RAG tool for assessing digital maturity. Find out more: aoc.co.uk/digital-roadmap

We're proud to support the launch of the Enrichment Benchmarks Companion Toolkit from Enrichment for All, developed collaboratively across education, youth, sport, culture, community and employer sectors. Access the Toolkit: https://enrichmentforall.org/

"Success isn't just measured in numbers. It's about changing lives, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging," says Kate Da Costa, Deputy Principal - Curriculum Development at Cambridge Regional College in our recent blog. Read here: https://pulse.ly/wyvmbvk0ue

The #AoCBeacons Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing celebrates the important work colleges are doing to support the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff. Learn more and apply here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27

Colleges are working harder than ever to link learning with real jobs, but our new survey shows those partnerships are under pressure. Find out more: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/to-tackle-neet-crisis-fe-and-employer-relations-needs-investment-says-aoc

There is only one week to apply for the Student of Year Awards! These awards celebrate students that have gone above and beyond to give back and positively impact their college and community. Submit your application: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year #AoCStudentAwards

Congratulations to our Deputy Chief Executive Julian Gravatt for being awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours. Well done to FE leaders and staff who were also recognised. Read more: https://bit.ly/43xA05h

Ready to apply for Student of the Year? 🎓 This video breaks down everything you need to know, from eligibility to submitting your application. Learn more here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year/student-of-the-year-2026-27 #AoCStudentAwards #LoveOurColleges

Looking for practical ways to harness AI, drive digital innovation and improve outcomes for learners? Join sector leaders and experts for two days of insights, ideas and real-world examples you can take back to your organisation. @salesforce.com Book now: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

The UK is re-joining Erasmus+ in 2027! 🌍 Join our webinar to learn how colleges can prepare for the new programme, build international partnerships, and unlock opportunities for staff and students. Register now and get ahead of the next application window: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

Hear from previous Beacon Award winners at our Beacon Award Insight Day next week. Gain insights on transferable models that your college can adopt. Register here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/insight-hubs-project #AoCBeacons

Our latest blog explores how the Citizen Hub in St Neots is transforming lives by providing accessible, community-based education, careers support and employment pathways for adults and young people. https://pulse.ly/puwnvkvdqb

Learn more about the key findings from @jisc.bsky.social ’s FE sector survey. Read the full blog here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/how-fe-leaders-are-tackling-ai-cyber-threats-and-the-health-of-digital-infrastructure

Just two weeks left to submit your application for the for the SOTY Awards! These awards are an opportunity to highlight exceptional individuals and showcase their achievements and successes. Submit your application: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year/student-of-the-year-2026-27

Applications for the #AoCBeacons Awards 2026/27 are open. 🏆 The deadline is Wednesday 9 September. See the full list of categories and learn more about the process here: https://pulse.ly/rzoicjlryg

Happy World Environment Day 🌍 Celebrate the students making a real difference for our planet. Apply now for the Student Green Commitment Award, sponsored by NOCN Group. Learn more: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year/student-of-the-year-2026-27

Creating a Greener London helps colleges deliver eco-friendly construction skills, supporting young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds into green jobs. #WorldEnvironmentDay https://www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-services/projects/creating-a-greener-london-sustainable-construction-skills

Join us at our Beacon Award Insight Day to hear from our 2025/26 winners. Register here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/insight-hubs-project #AoCBeacons

Creating inclusive environments at Boston College. 🤝 The college is empowering students to lead initiatives around LGBTQ+ inclusion, neurodiversity, wellbeing, and equality. Learn more: https://www.aoc.co.uk/boston-college-lgbtq-student-network-groups #PrideMonth2026

ETF's guidance provides information and support to help create safe, fair and empowering environments where care-experienced learners can thrive.https://etfoundation.co.uk/for-organisations/leadership/etf-leadership-pathway-for-senior-middle-and-aspiring-leaders/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

New on #TheCollegeWire 📰 Hull College students set to celebrate creative journeys at The Degree Show 2026. Read more here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/college-wire/hull-college-students-set-to-celebrate-creative-journeys-at-the-degree-show-2026?x

The Adult Student of the Year (19+) is sponsored by Gateway Qualifications. This category is open to anyone aged 19-years-old and over as of 31 August 2026. Apply now: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year/student-of-the-year-2026-27 #AoCStudentAwards #LoveOurColleges

“AI remains the sector’s dominant challenge and the strongest driver of digital transformation.” Robin Ghurbhurun of Jisc says in this blog: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/how-fe-leaders-are-tackling-ai-cyber-threats-and-the-health-of-digital-infrastructure

Explore life-changing opportunities to study, train and collaborate in over 30 countries, from a few days to more than a year. Funding opens in November 2026. It’s for everyone, so get ready now. Start your Erasmus+ journey today https://ow.ly/5uBy50Z1G3M

Don't miss out on our Shining a light on the Beacon Awards Webinar 2026. Learn how to write a successful #BeaconAwards application. Register here: https://pulse.ly/3mngiaavkp

This ETF guidance and case study helps college leaders take practical action to challenge misogyny and violence against women and girls.https://etfoundation.co.uk/for-organisations/leadership/etf-leadership-pathway-for-senior-middle-and-aspiring-leaders/mental-health-and-wellbeing/