The passing of the Further and Higher Education Act, 1992, has brought fundamental changes to the post-16 sector. The keystones for provision in this new era will be flexibility of response, open access, equality of opportunity, and valuing and accrediting alternative ways of learning; all linked together within the concepts of providing life-long learning opportunities. Michael Field focuses on these developments, taking as his theme the accreditation of prior learning. The provision by a college of APL, along with the support services needed to ensure its success, can be used as the acid test' of whether a college is truly open and accessible to a variety of learners. Written by an experienced manager, this book offers valuable advice for other managers and senior staff engaged in transforming their colleges to meet students' needs. It will also be a useful guide for tutors who plan and run courses to help academic and administrative staff come to terms with the changes they are facing. Michael Field is Principal of Croydon College, a past President of the Association of College Managers and council member of the Association of College Principals. He has worked in contract planning, project management and research and development in the construction industry, and has also held lecturing posts in Birmingham, Norwich and London.