For over a century, the Co-operative College has been at the centre of co-operative education in Britain and beyond. In 1919, the College was established to meet the educational needs of co-operatives that had formed over the previous century. It has pursued forms of education focused on co-operation and mutuality, meeting and anticipating the needs of co-operative and mutual enterprises in which vision, values and principles have been central. Blending the immediate and symbolic, practical daily needs and longer-term visions created a fascinating educational mix which often contrasted with prevailing distinctions found in other educational settings. Whereas many radical, alternative and co-operative initiatives have been relatively short-lived given the difficult circumstances in which they operated, the longevity of the College is worth exploring further.