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11 April 2026

Tag: Association of Colleges

AoC fears college apprenticeships market share will shrink further

The Association of Colleges has warned that colleges’ share of the apprenticeship market will continue to shrink, after FE Week analysis revealed they have been hit hardest by the move to levy funding. New statistics from the Department for Education, which included the number of starts per provider for the first time, show that colleges’ […]

College group gives staff a five per cent pay rise, despite a deficit

A huge London college group has defended awarding its staff up to a five per cent pay rise – even though it will result in its third annual operating deficit in a row. The pay deal for Capital City College Group staff, announced on Wednesday, was described as a “landmark” by the University and College […]

AoC announces Julie Nerney as next chair

The Association of Colleges has announced Julie Nerney as its next chair of the board. She will take over when Carole Stott MBE steps down at the end of the year. Ms Nerney is currently chair of the board of governors at Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, having previously led the City College Brighton and Hove […]

AoC criticises new public sector register of providers

A second register for apprenticeship training providers is being created for the public sector, and the Association of Colleges is furious that its members must pay to reap the benefits. The apprenticeship dynamic purchasing system has been launched by ESPO, which describes itself as a public sector-owned “professional buying organisation”. Providers must register before they […]

Unions write to AOC to justify 5 per cent national pay claim

Trade unions have written to the Association of Colleges to spell out exactly why they have resubmitted a claim for a raise of five per cent for the next academic year. They originally made the request at a meeting at the start of May, but the AoC said it would not consider a claim while […]

London colleges hit with strikes – but exams go on

London has been a hotbed of industrial unrest this week – but the Association of Colleges is claiming that strikes at colleges across the capital have had no negative impact on learners sitting exams. Members of the University and College Union took action at Lambeth College, Lewisham Southwark College and the Capital City College Group, […]

Colleges, training providers, adult education services – we need a diverse provider market

It’s always nice to be at a big conference with people passionate about learning, skills, training and apprenticeships. The FE Week Apprenticeship Conference at the ICC brings together a vital part of the education system: independent training providers, colleges, universities, awarding organisations, students and employers. The diversity of the audience is part of its strength […]

Strike action escalates on a second day of college walkouts

More than 1,500 staff from colleges are expected to take part in a second day of strike action, and more walkouts are planned up to the end of April. The dispute is over what a spokesperson for the University and Colleges Union described as “a disappointing” pay offer of one per cent, made last September […]