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Katie Stafford

Think Further

Read our new Think Further blog, Why AI increases the importance of literacy and critical thinking skills By Katie Stafford, Deputy Principal: Hackney Campus at New City College and Research Further College.

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

Supporting colleges with community cohesion: Session two

Building on the first session, this webinar will translate insight into practical leadership and governance actions. We aim for this webinar to identify priority capability and capacity gaps within colleges...

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 4 June 2026

Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Exploring Masculinities: An AoC Masterclass

The AoC Exploring Masculinities Masterclass is a practical and engaging online 90 minute masterclass for college staff, focused on promoting positive behaviours and attitudes among boys and young men. The...

Venue: Online

Date: 11 June 2026

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Fee: From £60 +VAT per session for AoC members and £90 + VAT for non-members

T Level Programmes - Drop-in Session 11th June 2026

Session Aims: The intent of this drop-in session is to offer a flexible, open forum for providers to gain support and guidance on the T Level and T Level Foundation...

Venue: Online

Date: 11 June 2026

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

AoC North West Principal/CEO Network

This network is exclusively for Principals and Chief Executives of AoC member colleges and groups in the North West region. If this applies to you, you should have already received...

Venue: In-person

Date: 15 June 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

AoC South West Finance Network

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

Venue: Online

Date: 15 June 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

AoC Ofsted College Nominee Masterclasses Summer 2026

These online sessions are for senior managers and leaders who will be taking the role of college nominee or shadow nominee for a full college inspection.

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 15 June 2026

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Fee: Prices start at £60 +VAT per session for AoC members

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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.

AoC Charitable Trust logo

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.