A college-led partnership will design AI around the needs of FE learners and staff, and it invites colleges nationwide to join.
AI could help colleges improve outcomes, support stretched staff and make limited budgets go further. But most AI tools are built for schools, universities or businesses, not for FE. Colleges exploring AI alone end up duplicating effort and spreading investment thin. Every college that responded to a recent sector survey named AI a strategic priority, but only one in eight had a budget for it.
COMPASS changes that, it marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between colleges that want to take an active role in shaping the future of AI in further education. The founding partners will pool their expertise, investment and experience to define what good AI looks like for FE. They will also make sure every solution, whether built or bought, fits the way colleges work.
The partnership grew out of workshops with more than 50 institutions over the past year. It will start with two areas with the potential to deliver significant impact:
- Improving outcomes for every learner.Colleges hold rich data on their learners, but staff rarely get a timely, joined-up picture. COMPASS will explore how AI can help staff spot needs earlier and personalise support.
- A confident, skilled and ethically informed workforce.Staff want to use AI but need confidence, guidance and clear safeguards. COMPASS will help signpost existing initiatives and build the skills and frameworks colleges need to use AI well and responsibly.
“Together, colleges can shape the future of AI in further education. COMPASS gives our sector a collective voice, and a real stake in the technology our learners and staff will depend on for the next decade.” Keith Smith, Chief Executive Officer, HRUC
What happens next
In early 2027, the partners will decide whether each solution is best developed together, procured collectively or commissioned from specialist partners.
In January 2027, COMPASS will host an FE AI Leadership Masterclass for leaders across the sector. It will cover how leaders can help their staff and learners use AI well.