AoC represents almost 95% of the 269 colleges in England incorporated under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. Colleges provide academic, technical and professional education for young people, adults and employers. Colleges are transformational – they help people make the most of their talents and ambitions and drive social mobility; they help businesses improve productivity and push economic growth; they are rooted in and committed to their communities and promote tolerance and well-being.

Colleges are an essential part of the education system, providing education and training to 712,000 young people aged 16 to 18; 1.4 million adults (including 150,000 taking higher education courses); and 313,000 apprentices.