RCU is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the 2026/27 AoC Beacon Awards.
Now in their 32nd year, the AoC Beacon Awards celebrate the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students, staff and local communities.
RCU is proud to continue supporting the awards as sponsor of the RCU Award for Support for Students. This category recognises excellence, innovation and impact in the way colleges support their learners, providing an opportunity to celebrate and showcase outstanding approaches to learner support across a whole provision or college-wide setting.
Find out more and apply
Colleges interested in finding out more about the RCU Award for Support for Students, or any of the other AoC Beacon Award categories, can visit the Association of Colleges website for full details, including guidance on how to apply:
The RCU Award for Support for Students – Association of Colleges
2025/26 RCU Support for Students Award winners
Hugh Baird College were named winners of the 2025/26 RCU Support for Students AoC Beacon Award.
Their initiative, “Education for All”, introduced an outstanding and comprehensive approach to supporting learners who face some of the greatest barriers to education and progression, with a particular focus on young people who are NEET and learners with high needs.
The initiative demonstrated how colleges can reshape curriculum and support services to improve inclusion, widen access and support social mobility.
Read more here: RCU Support for Students AoC Beacon Awards 2025/26
