Association of Colleges (AoC)

The Association of Colleges (AoC) is a UK-based membership organisation that represents and supports further education and sixth form colleges. Established in 1996, it has become a significant voice for the further education sector.

The AoC has over 260 member colleges, making it the largest organisation of its kind in the UK. These colleges provide education and training to over 2.2 million students annually, covering a wide range of subjects and disciplines.One of the key functions of the AoC is to provide a collective voice for its members. It advocates on behalf of colleges at the national and local levels, working with government, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the needs of colleges and their students are heard and addressed.In addition to advocacy, the AoC offers a range of services and support to its members. This includes professional development opportunities for college staff, research and analysis of trends and issues in further education, as well as networking and collaboration opportunities.

The AoC also works to promote the value and importance of further education to the wider public. It highlights the crucial role that colleges play in equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern economy.Furthermore, the AoC provides guidance and resources to help colleges improve their performance and meet the needs of their students. This includes information on governance, finance, curriculum development, and more.Overall, the Association of Colleges is a crucial organisation for the further education sector in the UK. Its work helps ensure that colleges can continue to provide high-quality education and training to millions of students each year, helping to build a skilled and prosperous workforce for the future.