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Welcome to The College Alliance

Reimagining the role of colleges for the future

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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.

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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:

  1. What do we want and need from colleges in 10 years’ time?
  2. What changes are needed in order to achieve this?
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WATCH RECORDING: Fostering a more sustainable and resilient society: role of skills policies

Tuesday 6 June 2023

WEBINAR
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WATCH RECORDING: Going Further and Higher report launch

Monday 14 February 2022

WEBINAR
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News & Insights

Coleg y Cymoedd

16 July 2024

BLOG: an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the tertiary education landscape in Wales.

Author: Vicky Jones Deputy Director, Wales (Marketing, Communications and Partnerships)Dirpwy Gyfarwyddwr, Cymru (Marchnata, Cyfathrebu a Phartneriaethau) I attended my first...
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Cork college of commerce cover

9 July 2024

BLOG: Building the workforce of the future: embracing change in tertiary education

Dr Vikki Smith, Executive Director – Education and Standards at the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), shares her reflections on...
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CA visit Wales

4 July 2024

BLOG: Wales’ Journey Towards an Integrated Tertiary Education System

The College Alliance partners - EDGE - attended our June study visit to Coleg y Cymoedd in Wales, which focused...
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The College Alliance is co-ordinated by the Association of Colleges (AoC). You can find out how the AoC uses your data in the privacy notice

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