Protecting and investing in adult skills in London

This week, WM College joined over 20 adult education and skills providers from across London by signing a joint statement that followed the London Adult Skills Summit on 2 February 2026, hosted at WM College.

Adult education changes lives, but it needs stable, long-term support to thrive. Our joint statement summerises our agreed position and key asks for policymakers and others who can support our cause, for adult learning to be available to all who can benefit, with sustainable funding and clear accountability.

Click on the button below to read the full statement on the value of adult learning in London. You can also learn more about the London Adult Skills Summit further below.

Bringing together London leaders at the Adult Skills Summit

WM College was honoured to host the London Adult Skills Summit in partnership with New City College, bringing together colleges, sector leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in our newly refurbished hall for a vital discussion about the future of adult education in London.

We were delighted to welcome Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, whose opening remarks underlined the Mayor’s ongoing commitment to skills, inclusion, and a future‑facing economy. Alongside Howard, Forogh Rahmani from Local London helped frame a powerful conversation about opportunity, community levelling‑up, and partnership working at both local and capital‑wide levels.

Chaired by Gerry McDonald CBE, the summit featured a panel including Jamie Stevenson, Principal of Lewisham College, and Mark Malcomson CBE, CEO of City Lit, together with employer representatives, UCU colleagues, and leaders from across the adult education industry. Their insights highlighted both the economic and social value of adult learning, as well as the pressing challenges created by static funding and rising delivery costs.

Across the day, one clear theme emerged: collaboration is critical. Delegates emphasised that the size and complexity of London’s labour market, combined with ongoing funding constraints, require stronger partnerships across colleges, local authorities, civic leaders, and employers. The summit’s discussions were less an endpoint and more the beginning of a shared journey to shape a more resilient and responsive adult skills system. One that better serves learners, employers, and the capital’s economy.

Adult learning supports opportunity and inclusion

Speakers highlighted how adult learning opens doors and brings people together – from boosting employability and lifelong learning to supporting wellbeing and stronger communities. Everyone agreed that current funding doesn’t fully reflect the value of adult education in London, and that working together is essential to secure the investment and policy support the sector needs.

With a strong representation from principals across the Association of Colleges and HOLEX, along with skills leads from London Councils, showing just how committed the sector is to championing adult learning and collaborating on solutions.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed their energy and ideas to the discussion. We’re proud to have hosted this important event in our unique London building and are excited to continue working with partners across the sector to shape the future of adult skills in the city.