Association of Colleges

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About us

Established in 2017, The College Alliance is a collaborative network that brings together college Principals and Chief Executives from across England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales and their college membership bodies, alongside senior government officials from the national governments and funding bodies, and other sector partners. Aligned with the vision set forth by the Independent Commission on the College of the Future, we are committed to championing the "reimagining" of colleges over the next decade.

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Our mission

Sharing lessons and best practice

Across the different national systems, we serve as a forum for discussions on the post 16 education and skills systems across the UK and Republic of Ireland, supporting learnings from the diverse approaches.

Providing a space for peer exchange

We bring together leaders from across the different national systems, from wider government and the wider sector - and we seek to galvanise further work between leaders, across national boundaries.

Supporting thought leadership

We are committed to supporting thought leadership through the commissioning of policy work and research which aids strategic development.

Encouraging long-term thinking

We convene sector leaders to lead long-term thinking – reflecting on what we need from our post 16 education and skills system, as we look at the challenges and changes we face nationally, and internationally.

College of the future

At a time when seismic shifts are happening across the UK - from demographic change and the climate crisis, to technological revolution, and the changing demands of the labour market - these are important questions. The pandemic has accelerated the need for change. It is clear that colleges can and must be at the heart of meeting these challenges.

Commissioned by The College Alliance in 2019 - The Independent Commission on the College of the Future was set up to answer two simple but fundamental questions: