24 November 2025
I had originally drafted a quick opinion piece before the conference, lamenting the familiar setting (is Birmingham really the only place to hold the conference?), the predictable format, and even pictured a slightly weary David Hughes presiding over yet another AoC gathering. But having just returned from my tenth (ish) AoC conference, I find myself revisiting that view. This year felt different—arguably one of the most positive conferences I can remember.
Despite the backdrop of economic uncertainty, social tensions, and global instability, further education seemed, for once, to be at the centre of the conversation. There was a sense that FE could be about to ride a wave of opportunity. After a thoroughly positive ETF dinner on the Monday night and two days on the stand in the main hall, mingling with delegates and attending some sessions, the energy was undeniable. This was one of the buzziest, busiest conferences in recent times.
Conversations with Principals reinforced this optimism. Many see this as a moment to act—working with their boards to decide where to focus, where to grow, and how to collaborate with partners across their regions. My challenge to them remains: do you have the right skills at senior level and on your board to make decisions that will deliver real impact? An unsurprising question from someone like me you might say, but still, I hope, a pertinent one.
Of course, there were voices of caution. Some argue there’s too much policy, too many initiatives, and everything is moving too fast. But that’s a better problem than stagnation and cuts. Right now, given how the PM positioned colleges at the labour party conference, there’s an opportunity to shape solutions and drive meaningful change—the ability to do so has never been greater.
Concerns remain: adult learning funding is tight, industrial action is underway, questionable curriculum reforms are happening, the potential watering down of standards, and Ofsted’s framework weigh heavily, SEND provision is uncertain, and wider societal and community tensions cannot be ignored. Yet, despite this litany of challenges, this AoC conference felt different. It was better. It was hopeful. And it’s something to be built upon.
Paul Aristides joined AQ in 2024 after ten years at GatenbySanderson and, prior to that, six years at Veredus, all of which has been focused on supporting the education sector. His earlier career was also in education, working in higher education and professional education for ten years. Paul has led on some of the most significant FE/Skills CEO appointments of recent times, including the CEOs of Capital City College, NCG and Warwickshire College Group and the CEOs of the Education and Training Foundation, Student Loans Company, Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education and WorldSkills UK. Paul is a Trustee of Bridge Academy Trust, an eleven-school trust in Essex.
You can contact him at paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
