Double success for LSBU Group at Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards
London South Bank University (LSBU) Group has won two awards at this year’s Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards, recognising its work supporting Londoners of all ages and background into education and skilled jobs.
London South Bank University (LSBU) won the Participation and Excellence in Higher Education Award. The award recognises how, as part of LSBU Group, the University links further and higher education with employers, giving learners clear routes from college to university and into work.
South Bank Colleges (SBC) won the Inclusive Provider of Adult Education Award for the support it gives to adults who face barriers to learning, including people learning English as an additional language.
Now in their fifth year, the Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards were presented at City Hall on 12 November. The awards showcase the very best of London’s adult skills sector and celebrate the transformational impact of learning on Londoners and the capital’s economy.
Connected pathways from learning to work
LSBU Group brings together South Bank Academies, SBC and LSBU. Learners can move from one stage of education to the next without starting again somewhere new, and each step is designed to lead towards a career.
The Group supports more than 31,000 learners, with courses leading into 11 broad areas of work, including construction and the built environment, green energy, engineering, health and social care, and the creative and digital industries.
Employers are central to this approach. LSBU works with more than 2,000 companies to provide education and training, including apprenticeships that combine paid work with study. This gives learners the skills and experience employers are looking for.
Nyla-Rae Graham’s journey shows how this works in practice. She started at London South Bank Technical College, part of SBC, studying a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction. T Levels are two-year technical qualifications equivalent to three A levels.
Through the college's links with industry, she secured a work placement with construction and consultancy company Mace, gaining hands-on experience across different parts of the business. She then went on to a Degree Apprenticeship in Construction Management with Mace, working towards a degree while employed, with the university teaching delivered by LSBU.
Opening doors for adult learners
SBC's award recognises its work to make college welcoming and accessible to adults who might otherwise struggle to take part in education.
Among the work recognised are SBC’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses at Lambeth College, one of its colleges, which help adults whose first language is not English to build their language skills.
Students say how learning English had boosted their confidence, opened up job opportunities and helped them take a fuller part in their communities.
Adult ESOL student Suliman said: “I am deeply grateful to Lambeth College. This course has completely transformed my life. It has given me confidence to communicate and step into volunteering. This course has rebuilt my life.”
Fellow student Hongqin highlighted the practical difference the programme had made: “Now, I am able to communicate more confidently at work and in everyday situations. The course has made a real difference to my life, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in improving their future.”
The award also recognises SBC’s wider commitment to the communities it serves, helping Londoners from all backgrounds to access education and work towards their goals.
Education at every stage of life
Together, the two awards reflect LSBU Group’s commitment to making education accessible at every stage of people’s lives, from school leavers to adults returning to learning, and to creating clearer routes from learning into work.
LSBU Group CEO and Vice-Chancellor Paul Kett said: “[LSBU Group] isn’t just institutions that have chosen to work together. We think about education in a holistic way, and that’s enabled us to develop learning pathways aligned to careers across the Group. As a Londoner, you can join us anywhere, at any stage, and progress.
“Whether you’re an ESOL learner, an 18-year-old school leaver or a doctoral candidate, there’s a clear line of sight to a rewarding career. We’re not just enabling access for people from disadvantaged backgrounds; we’re enabling them to thrive and succeed. We’re incredibly proud of the difference we make to London’s future talent pipeline.”