Life Long Learning: the future of adult education at City Lit Ian Tucknott, Head of School for Humanities & Sciences

T.G. Williams, Principal No. 2 Opened in 1919 by London County Council as part of a grounding breaking move … …to provide for the needs of a large number of students who seek education other than vocational with a coherent programme of studies related to leisure and in an adult setting. “It was an act of pure faith…and it may well be that the boldest decision of all was to choose a site for one of the literary institutes in the heart of business London, the square mile altogether dedicated, as it might have been supposed, to the pursuit of material, rather than ideal, ends.” T.G. Williams, Principal No. 2 Bringing people together to enrich lives through learning

Bringing people together to enrich lives through learning We believe that: Everyone should have access to education regardless of age or background. Learning creates a sense of community and a unique environment where people from all walks of life can come together. Learning plays a crucial part in physical and mental wellbeing. Bringing people together to enrich lives through learning

City Lit is known for: 5000 courses; nearly 30000 students; nearly 53,000 enrolments (approx. 20,000 over 60) Our practitioner and expert teachers – bringing real life experience to learning Our diverse and flexible offer – subject, formats, time of day/week Our creative and performing arts provision – launching the careers of artists, writers and actors Our portfolio of 32 languages – the largest in the UK…and possibly the world Our internationally recognised speech therapy methodology Our work with and for adults who are deaf and with acquired hearing loss Our inspirational hub in London’s West End Bringing people together to enrich lives through learning

The Place for Lifelong Learning - Older learners By 2036, 65+ population of London set to increase to 1.6m City Lit research identifies benefits of learning for older population: Self confidence & independence Personal contribution to, and better engagement with, society Management of life transitions Quality of care and individual health Use of digital technology Financial security and independence Sharing knowledge, skills and culture Acquiring basic skills in a changing world.

The challenges to take up learning opportunities Despite these benefits, older people are less likely to take up learning, because: Low confidence, unfamiliarity, or belief that learning is ‘not for me’ Varying perspectives on what learning is, and what it is for Lack of understanding across society of relevance of education to life needs Poor coordination of providers / offerings Lack of agreed frameworks in addressing needs Funding, both private and public Government policy aimed at those in employment; skills agenda linked to employment.

City Lit impact A clear pattern of success – as older people enrolments and student numbers grow. Top line impact statements/feedback from students indicates: High quality teaching Range of courses is a major attraction Diversity of learners, particularly mix of ages Cost – operate a ‘senior rate’ - appeared not to be a barrier

Creating a structure in the lives of older people “It’s great talking to different people and hearing about their walks of life. It’s a much nicer more social way of learning.” “Highlight of my week” “Take on” health problems rather than succumbing to them Increased confidence in “outside lives” “A reason to get up in the morning”

Approaches to addressing our challenges: Events & awareness – Mental Wealth Festival, lectures, debates to explore and learn about the things that matter and things that affect us Outreach – having conversations, developing partnerships and working together Inclusivity and accessibility – listening to our students, supporting them, and adapting to accommodate Broadening our programmes, providing flexibility, and assuring a learner centred approach Fundraising – bursaries and sponsorship – giving the gift of education.

Our future As we reach our centenary, our role today and in the future is every bit as important as when we opened in 1919. Facing the reality of the 100 year life Technological innovation driving the need to re-skill Increasing fragmentation of communities; disparity and isolation Pressure, stress and complexity of modern life Here for Londoners