Gerry, CEO of New City College, introduces our national campaign calling for fair funding for adult education. He explains why adult learning matters, what’s at risk, and why it’s time to #BackAdultLearning

Linda started with a Level 1 course at New City College and progressed to Level 4 in Data Analytics, finding confidence, community and purpose along the way. Her story shows why protecting funded adult education matters for wellbeing, skills and opportunity.

Janet, Principal of Havering Campuses, believes adult education is the foundation of opportunity. Her own journey shows its life-changing power – returning to learning in her 20s and 30s gave her new confidence, new skills and a future she hadn’t imagined. Now, she’s calling for investment in adult education to keep pathways open for the learners and careers our country urgently needs.

Cameron, a forklift driver, is retraining in data analytics at New City College to future-proof his career. Free and funded courses are helping adults like him gain the skills employers need and protecting these opportunities has never mattered more.

Chris Legg, Chief Operating Officer at New City College, is calling for stronger funding to help adult learning meet the needs of local communities. He warns that cuts are directly undermining the college’s ability to support learners – and that adult education should be recognised as a crucial investment in people and society, not a cost.

After time out of work due to ill health, Magnus returned to college to rebuild skills and confidence. Studying Prompt Engineering has helped him regain direction and he says cuts to funding would shut out adults who need learning the most.

Steve, Group Curriculum Director for Construction, is helping adults across London gain the skills to start new careers and keep essential industries running. But adult course funding isn’t keeping up with demand – in building services alone, around £1 million worth of learners aren’t funded, putting courses at risk next year and increasing pressure on employers who rely on skilled workers.

Marie returned to learning to gain independence, build confidence and strengthen her everyday skills. Studying maths at New City College has transformed her life, helping at work, in her family and in her community, and she believes adult education must be protected.

Jennie, Group Curriculum Director for ESOL, is committed to keeping English learning accessible for those who need it most. Funded and flexible ESOL courses help learners progress into further study and meaningful work, but without funding, many could be shut out of these life-changing opportunities.

Elizabeth, an HR professional, is studying Data Analytics at New City College to stay ahead and progress her career. Flexible study makes upskilling possible, but funding cuts risk shutting out adults like her who need access to affordable lifelong learning.