Tertiary Colleges Group

Tertiary Colleges Group

Within one institution, Tertiary Colleges provide readily accessible pathways of progression from foundation level, level 3 qualifications and beyond. They combine the function of a FE College and a Sixth Form College, offering a wide variety of academic and vocational courses to 16–19-year-olds. The breadth of offer allows individuals to fulfil their potential by moving from lower to higher levels, this is a key characteristic of Tertiary Colleges.

In addition to their considerable portfolio of 16-19 provision, Tertiary Colleges are important providers of adult education and training, they play a major role in developing employer responsive provision. Tertiary Colleges work closely with business and industry, to meet local, regional, and sometimes national skills needs. They successfully deliver Apprenticeships and have been key in supporting individuals and businesses. There are currently 24 colleges across England who are members of the Tertiary Colleges Group, among them are a high number of the most successful colleges in the country. All members in the group support the general principles and values of the tertiary system, and are significant providers of education for 16–19-year-olds within their local authority area.

Purpose and Aims of the Tertiary Colleges Group

The Group was formed in 2007 in order to recognise and promote the unique role of Tertiary Colleges and their place in the further education system, particularly to Government and other key stakeholders. It still does this today by ensuring that Tertiary Colleges are appropriately represented in policy formulation and consultations, giving a Tertiary College perspective in the development of major Government initiatives.

The group believes strongly in the value of the tertiary system and also aspires to support and champion the role of tertiary colleges in their communities, including promoting a better public understanding of the benefits of such a system.

What does the group do?

The Group’s activities include sharing best practice on the Ofsted inspection framework, outstanding teaching, learning and assessment. They discuss issues unique to Tertiary Colleges, and the education sector overall.

The group meets twice yearly, an Autumn conference is hosted by one of its member colleges and a Spring conference held in London. Guest speakers have included senior representatives from Ofsted, the Department for Education and Association of Colleges. Where possible, members have met with MP’s.

The heart of the community

Tertiary Colleges are therefore at the heart of their local community and play a key role in providing outstanding academic and vocational provision, improving skills, developing economic prosperity and promoting social cohesion.

Our members are committed to inclusion, widening participation and to high achievement for all students. Tertiary Colleges achieve high standards of performance in A-level provision, and in applied and vocational programmes, including apprenticeships. They have high staying on rates and achievement post-16, and well-developed strategic relationships with their Local Authorities. This spans economic development and community partnerships as well as education and training collaborations and means that tertiary colleges are central to the future of their local community.

For any further information, please contact the Tertiary Colleges Group Coordinator – Abbie Sawyer at abbiesawyer@exe-coll.ac.uk