It runs schools, further education colleges and work-based training across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey, and delivers higher-education and international study programmes too.

Activate Learning was launched on 4 November 2013 following the reorganisation, restructure and rebranding of the Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) Group in 2013.

Rycotewood was relocated to Oxford and the college changed to its current name in 2005 due to the new opening of a new campus in Bicester.

Activate Learning is a lead partner in the running of UTC Reading, the university technical college for 14- to 19-year-olds, which opened September 2013.

The group delivers higher education (university-level) programmes in art and design, business, care, computing, engineering, furniture, motorsports, policing and sports coaching.

It works with businesses to deliver workforce training including apprenticeships, NVQs and short professional courses.

Activate Learning provides training in leadership and management to regional businesses and organisations.

The group does this in different ways, including: • New curriculum model – enterprise and commercial activity is built into the curriculum • Learning companies – commercial companies, set up within the colleges, to provide real services to customers.