WLC and Partners Launch COMPASS to Shape AI for Further Education

West London College has joined six other leading college groups and institutions to launch COMPASS, a pioneering partnership designed to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in further education.

The college-led initiative will bring together expertise, resources and investment to develop AI solutions specifically tailored to the needs of FE students and staff, helping to improve learning outcomes, support teaching and make better use of resources.

While AI presents significant opportunities for education, many existing technologies have been developed for schools, universities or businesses, rather than the unique needs of FE colleges. A recent sector survey found that every participating college considered AI a strategic priority, yet only one in eight had a dedicated budget to support its development.

COMPASS aims to address this challenge through collaboration, enabling colleges to share knowledge, avoid duplicating efforts and collectively influence how AI is developed and introduced across the sector.

Developed following workshops involving more than 50 institutions, the partnership will initially focus on two key priorities:

• Improving student outcomes: Exploring how AI can help staff make better use of student data, identify individual learning needs earlier and provide more personalised support to help every student succeed.
• Building staff confidence and skills: Supporting teaching and professional services staff to use AI effectively and responsibly, with clear guidance, practical training and ethical safeguards.

Karen Redhead OBE, CEO and Principal of West London College, said: “AI is fundamentally transforming how we live, work and learn. Further education has a responsibility not just to prepare people for this future, but to help shape it. Through COMPASS, we have an opportunity to lead that change, harnessing the collective expertise of our colleges to ensure AI empowers our staff, creates new opportunities for our students and, most importantly, leaves no one behind.”

Keith Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC), added: “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.”

Alongside West London College, the founding partners include EKC Group, HRUC, London South East Colleges, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Runshaw College and Shrewsbury College.

The partnership is being facilitated by public services consultancy The PSC, which will support the development and implementation of its plans.

In January 2027, COMPASS will host an FE AI Leadership Masterclass, bringing together college leaders to explore how they can support staff and students to embrace AI confidently and responsibly.

The founding partners will also begin identifying opportunities to develop solutions collaboratively, commission specialist providers or procure technology collectively.

With more colleges invited to join, COMPASS represents an important step towards ensuring the FE sector has a stronger voice in shaping the technology that will influence education for years to come.