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Martin Hoskin 1

Think Further

Read our new Think Further blog, Critical professionalism: why we all need the courage to question By Dr Martin Hoskin, Senior Teaching Fellow, University of Portsmouth.

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

AoC Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference 2026

Taking place on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 May, 09:30-12:30We are delighted to invite you to the AoC Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference 2026. This year’s conference brings together an...

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 12 May 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Fee: Starting from £195 + VAT for AoC members

Post-16 Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications proposed subject content consultation webinars

Please note, this session is open to AoC members only.The Department for Education (DfE) are currently seeking views on proposed subject content for new V levels, foundation certificates and occupational...

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 13 May 2026

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Fee: Free for AoC members

AoC Finance Conference and Exhibition 2026

Bookings and amendments are now closed for this event. You can still register onsite on Thursday 14th May at 08:30. The AoC Annual Finance Conference and Exhibition moves to Nottingham this...

Venue: Crowne Plaza Nottingham, NG1 5RH

Date: 14 May 2026

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Fee: Starting from £375 + 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: Online via MS Teams

Date: 14 May 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Supporting colleges with community cohesion: Session one

Following David Hughes' attendance at a forum to discuss tackling antisemitism at 10 Downing Street, we are continuing to support colleges as they navigate a shifting political and geopolitical context.

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 14 May 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

AoC London Principals' and Chief Executives' Network Meeting

This network is exclusive to AoC members only. Please contact Ikran Jama if you'd like more information.

Venue: Online

Date: 14 May 2026

Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

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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.