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University a key player in Bristol Learning City

18 March 2016

The University of Bristol has joined forces with Bristol City Council, local businesses and other education providers and advocates to cement the city’s strong commitment to lifelong learning through its participation in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

Bristol is the first place in England to join with Learning Cities across the world. Swansea is the only other city in the UK to have committed to UNESCO’s global initiative.

Leaning Cities use their resources to promote inclusive, lifelong learning in education, families, communities and the workplace. They aim to create social cohesion, economic and cultural prosperity and sustainable development. Empowering individuals is central to the approach, both in Bristol and worldwide. Every Learning City is different and develops its own strategy, although evidence from other cites suggests strong governance is a defining feature of successful Learning Cities.

As a member of Bristol’s Learning City Partnership Board, the University will help to oversee the delivery of partnership activity aimed at tackling identified priorities across the city. The Board will champion learning for all ages and all communities, commission activity to increase participation and achievement, communicate messages about learning and celebrate the benefits of learning as a way to transform lives.

As a Board member, the University is looking to build on its already impressive track record of contributing to learning opportunities in the city, which includes working with local schools to deliver mentoring and tutoring programmes, and the Access to Bristol scheme; supporting local schools through a community of school governors; co-sponsoring Merchants’ Academy, in South Bristol; and investing in two IntoUniversity centres in East and South Bristol.

Professor Judith Squires, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), said: ‘The University is delighted that Bristol has joined the UNESCO Learning Cities network. As a founder member of the Learning City Partnership Board, we are committed to working with Learning City in this innovative and inclusive venture to raise the educational aspirations and attainment across the city.’  

Read more about Bristol Learning City.

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