Further education colleges can join our growing network by affiliating to the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. Affiliation gives your further education college membership of a powerful and unique network of national and international schools, universities, local authorities and organisations committed to raising standards of achievement and transforming education through the sharing of innovative practice.

In order to foster cross–sector collaboration between further education colleges, schools, local authorities and universities we are now offering further education colleges a tailored affiliation package.

Benefits of affiliation:

Membership of an educational network of over 4900 schools, local authorities, universities and organisations;

Access to the National FE Coordinator who acts as a broker with schools, and other FECs;

Bespoke support of a Regional Coordinator dedicated to enhancing and supporting the transformation of education in your region;

Three free or heavily subsidised, regional events (e.g. regional specialism network meetings, regional conferences);

Access to a range of national conferences - including specialism and 14–19 events;

Access to the National Conference – described by the TES as ‘the most prestigious education conference of the year’;

Network with colleagues from FECs, CoVes and schools to share information on new vocational programmes, 14-19 reforms, progression routes, admissions and supporting students’ progression towards FE;

Changes in funding for 14-19, through local authorities, will involve greater collaboration with schools, affiliation can facilitate these links;

Full password access to the website - www.schoolsnetwork.org.uk  
with numerous case studies of effective practice;

Dedicated FE webpages and the opportunity to contribute to web forums aimed at facilitating and promoting cross–sector understanding of issues including: the new Diplomas, planning for raising the leaving age to 18;

Changes in funding for 14-19, through local authorities, will involve greater collaboration with schools, affiliation can facilitate these links;

SSAT newsletters and publications;

Membership of iNet – the SSAT’s international arm. This provides a range of benefits: 3 copies per year of Snapshots – the SSAT’s Journal of Innovation; online conferences; facilitated links to schools overseas; and access to the annual international conference. More detailed information on these benefits can be found on our website at http://www.ssat-inet.net/joininet/benefitsofmembership.aspx;

ICT advice and support - Discounted software – Microsoft, Symantec, Quark, Adobe and other product offers;

Access to the SSAT suite of leadership programmes: Developing Young Leaders, Governors Training, Personalising Learning and Student Voice; Executive Headteachers and Community Leadership.

Applying
1. Further education colleges should download and complete the
Further education college affiliation application form
and email it to: affiliation@ssatrust.org.uk  

2. On receipt of application the college will automatically become affiliated. The college will then receive a visit from their Regional Coordinator, who sends a report to the SSAT for our records.

Membership fees
The annual affiliation fee is £2,210
*Affiliation fees will be reviewed in April 2009

Queries and completed applications should be directed to Rachel Treslove at affiliation@ssatrust.org.uk or 020 7802 0924.