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Colleges Week 2026: resources for politicians

Since 2018 the Association of Colleges has held an annual Colleges Week. Every year, we see politicians across the country taking part and celebrating their fantastic local colleges and the vital role they play in their communities.

This year the theme is Skills for All, with a focus on a different group of learners each day.

On Monday, as part of our Adult Learning Pays campaign we'll be celebrating adult learners returning to education, from career changers to lifelong learners, and the power of flexible, community-focused learning.
On Tuesday, we will shine a spotlight on the young people who are gaining vocational and academic skills, building confidence and working towards their futures.
On Wednesday, we will focus on apprentices of all ages who are bringing skills to life in the workplace alongside learning in the classroom, as well as the employers who support them.
On Thursday, we will showcase the higher education learners gaining technical and academic qualifications at level 4 and above, and the colleges delivering these local, flexible, and career-focused courses.
On Friday, we will be rounding up with your college community, emphasising relationships and partnerships both within colleges and the world beyond the gates.

How can politicians support Colleges Week?

1. Visit a local college

Colleges across the country will be putting on a range of events and activities which you can attend and support. Please get in touch with your local college to find out what they have planned for the week.

2. Celebrate your local college in parliament

For MPs, Colleges Week is a great chance to highlight the fantastic work of your local college in parliament. That could be in a relevant debate, during education departmental questions taking place on Monday 2 March (the first day of Colleges Week) or in a question to the Prime Minister during PMQs.

3. Table a celebratory motion

If you're a local councillor, you could table a motion celebrating your local colleges. We've drafted a template you can personalise below:

Colleges Week, taking place this year between 2-6 March, is a national campaign led by the Association of Colleges that celebrates the vital role that further education colleges play in providing education, skills, and opportunities for people of all ages. Colleges in [insert area] are central to local economic growth, social mobility, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The theme of Colleges Week 2026 is Skills for All, highlighting how colleges equip people from all walks of life with the education, training, and skills they need to succeed. The campaign provides an opportunity for local authorities to publicly recognise and support the contribution of local colleges, staff, and students.

This Council resolves to:

Formally recognise and support Colleges Week 2026.
Publicly acknowledge the contribution of local further education colleges through council communications, including the council website and social media channels, during Colleges Week 2026.
Encourage the Leader of the Council and relevant portfolio holders to engage with local colleges during Colleges Week 2026, including visits where appropriate.
Explore opportunities to strengthen ongoing collaboration between the council and local FE colleges.

4. Post on social media

Throughout the week the AoC, its members and partners will be posting on social media. You can repost this content, as well as sharing your own messages of support for your local college. You can download the graphic below and used the suggest copy if you like.

X/Bluesky – It’s #CollegesWeek2026, and I’m celebrating the vital role that colleges like [College Name] play in delivering skills for all, supporting local employers, and opening doors for people of all ages. Thank you to the brilliant staff, students, and leaders who make such a difference in [area/constituency]. #LoveOurColleges

LinkedIn - During #CollegesWeek2026, I’m celebrating the contribution of our local college, [College Name], and the essential role it plays in transforming lives in [area/constituency]. Every day, colleges equip people from all walks of life with the education, training, and skills they need to succeed; from young people starting out, to adults retraining, and apprentices learning in the workplace, colleges open doors and create opportunities. Thank you to the staff, leaders, and learners whose dedication strengthens our local economy and enriches our community #LoveOurColleges