About Linking London Lifelong Learning Network

Who are we?

Linking London is a unique network of education partners, made up of small adult focused organisations through to large multi-purpose further education colleges and highly prestigious research intensive universities. We are jointly funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and subscriptions from partners. We are hosted by Birkbeck, University of London. We have a core staff of eight and are supported by a Board and numerous stakeholders.

We were established in September 2006 and our activities and achievements to date have been captured in our Linking London Progress Report 2006-09 (3.16 MB). We are currently funded until July 2011.  

What we do

Linking London has been set up to improve and create opportunities for vocational learners, who want to progress into and through Higher Education. We are also here to support employees in the workplace who may wish to access higher level skills and qualifications, but may not have the information they need to make informed choices.

London needs a skilled and highly educated workforce to ensure that it retains its place in the economic market place. Londoners need access to learning that is relevant and available in a variety of delievery modes. Linking London works to create these opportunities in the Capital.

How do we do it

Linking London works with both HE and FE, so we have a full picture of vocational transition for learners, from Further to Higher Education. We use this position to build and implement workable solutions to the barriers facing vocational learners. We are striving to improve the information available to would-be students, the successful transition and progression from vocational learning into higher level learning, and the involvement of higher education with employers to ensure that what is on offer is appropriate to the needs of business and the economy of the future.  

We provide support for staff in our partner institutions to improve the accessibility of their information, the flexibility of the courses they offer, and by working together we help to simplify the world of education for those outside it.  

What next?

The current economic climate has made the challenges facing us all, more acute and very urgent, education is being seen as an area to make significant cuts, but it is also one of the sources of Britain's economic recovery. We must not put obstacles to learning in the way of some of our young people, or those already in work, or underestimate the talent for development they may have.

Working together we can help to ensure doors of opportunity are opened for individuals, and employers get the people with the skills and qualities they need. Access to high quality education and training enhances and improves lives, builds confidence, and there is evidence that it improves health. For women, in particular, education can have an impact on the whole family. It can also make people more socially responsible and engaged in their communities. The benefits are enormous for society, the economy and the individual. This is why we are working as an education partnership.

If you would like to know more about us and our partners, or how you can also get involved then please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our Case study page for specific examples of our work.