Association of Colleges
AoC South West
AoC South West, The Exchange, Express Park, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4RR
The AoC SW office is based in Bridgwater, Somerset and supports and
promotes the interests of the 28 Member College corporations (and 2 designated Member Colleges) in the South West region; an area that extends from Cornwall to Gloucestershire, through Wiltshire to Swindon and Dorset. The SW is characterised by a mix of large urban conurbations such as Bristol, Poole, Plymouth and Swindon;
and significant rural areas such as Cornwall.
Our primary role is to represent the interests of SW FE Colleges on numerous strategic forums working closely with the key stakeholder bodies and agencies to ensure that the impact and importance of SW Colleges is recognised and can contribute fully to the development of both the SW and national economy. AoC SW will lead and chair various Regional Groups and identify opportunities for joint collaboration between Colleges, by developing strategic proposals, leading projects sourcing funding to support Regional or Sub Regional activities.
In addition AoC SW facilitates and co-ordinates a comprehensive programme of 12 professional networks for College Principals, Directors, Managers, Governors and staff across all the major College areas of activity. These groups meet regularly and provide an important forum for stakeholders to meet with key College leads to focus on policy updates, sharing best practice and intelligence and building collaborative activities. Additional policy and consultation events are held on a regular basis involving national organisations, policy makers, MPs and Ministers.
The Exchange is situated close to the M5 Motorway where the "Willow Man" -
a local landmark is clearly visible just before the exit on the northbound section
of the Motorway (Junction 23).
Willow Man is a sculpture made from willow and measures 12 metres high and is possibly the largest willow sculpture in the world. Willow is a crop very much associated with the glorious Somerset Levels.
Welcome to the West Country!
