Who runs the support programme?

The General Qualifications Support Programme is delivered by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) on behalf of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). Other programme partners include the 157 Group, Sixth Form Colleges' Forum (SFCF), Association of Colleges (AOC) and theWorkshop.

The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) is an independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation dedicated to raising achievement in secondary education. SSAT has a membership of over 5,000 schools and organisations and is a registered charity. Our aim is to give practical support to transforming secondary education in England by building and enabling a world-class network of innovative, high-performing secondary schools in partnership with business and the wider community. www.specialistschools.org.uk

The 157 Group works proactively with partners in government, the community and within the further education (FE) sector to impact on policy formulation in the areas of education, skills, economic and community development. 157 Group members also facilitate implementation of policy to achieve and sustain excellence for learners, employers and all who access the further education sector. www.157group.co.uk

The Sixth Form Colleges’ Forum (SFCF) lobbies ministers, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) officials on issues affecting sixth form colleges and represents specific sixth form college interests on a range of DCSF/DIUS/LSC working groups. The SFCF works with many organisations such as Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) and the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS). The SFCF has established a range of committees so that principals and other senior managers and governors can consider a wide range of issues from the sixth form college perspective. www.sfcf.org.uk

The Association of Colleges (AoC) exists to represent and promote the interests of colleges and provide members with professional support services. As such they aim to be the authoritative voice of colleges – based on credible analysis, research, advocacy and consultation with colleges – and the first choice destination for guidance and advice for members. AoC was established in 1996 by colleges themselves as a voice for further education and higher education delivered in colleges at national and regional level. www.aoc.co.uk

theWorkshop is a new media and design company which specialises in developing online learning platforms and solutions. www.theworkshop.co.uk