As Boris Johnson seeks to position himself as a prime minister for all seasons, the new PM and his team have been busy penning articles and speeches promising action on all the key subjects voters like to hear about. 

As for education, there have been early indications that the new prime minister, like many of those in No 10 before him, fully intends for it to be a central pillar of his tenure.

What is really encouraging, though, is the potential support for the findings of the Augar review commissioned by his predecessor.

News: Marsden: Action needed to tackle drop in adult learners

Read more: The Lifelong Learning Commission - key findings

Background: ‘Why Labour’s Lifelong Learning Commission matters’

Meeting skills needs

In an article in early July, Johnson touched upon the need to consider post-GCSE education more holistically to “elevate the practical and technical qualifications” in order to meet the skills needs of the future. 

While broader adult education and lifelong learning were not mentioned specifically, it was a promising indicator that future education policy will not just focus on schools and universities, and that the culture of learning for life is firmly on his radar.

In the first week of his premiership, Johnson delivered a speech at the Manchester Science and Industry Museum which was music to the ears of the sector. Stating that “we cannot afford any longer the chronic under-funding of our brilliant FE colleges”, the prime minister stated we should be aspiring to the same status for further education in the UK as our world-class university sector. Hopeful words indeed. The speech did have something for everyone, with all of the big topics covered - NHS, policing, industry, infrastructure and transport to name but a few with a bevy of promises for each one.

While the prime minister’s vision for the UK paints the optimistic picture he’s been keen for us all to view, it’s wedged firmly in the uncertainty and angst of his most pressing task. With the weakness of the pound, civil unrest predicted by Welsh farmers, the Irish backstop question and the prospect of being the last prime minister to rule over a United Kingdom, one wonders whether Johnson may be pressed to find time for optimistic visions.

Desperately needed

His comment in the commons last Wednesday that further education and skills would be a “priority” for the government and his decision to shift the brief to the newly appointed education secretary does, however, point to a genuine commitment to action within the sector. And it’s so desperately needed. Commentary following the Augar review highlighted what a missed opportunity it would be if the findings were swept under the carpet by the new prime minister. We would encourage the prime minister to seek cross-party agreement on the strategy, which will arise from this commitment to fostering sustainable excellence within the sector.

For some time now, City Lit has been extolling the societal benefits of lifelong learning - benefits which should not be viewed in isolation from the other most pressing issues of our time: health, housing, the economy and cultural infrastructure to name but a few. We believe everyone has a right to learn and improve themselves regardless of their age or stage in life, ability to finance that learning themselves or need of specialist support. Increased public funding is therefore vital to this success and for the life-changing opportunities that can be provided to adults across the UK.

Equally, let’s not forget that the success of education cannot rely solely on delivering formal qualifications, as that would ignore the lifelong learning that we provide, which has proven to be enormously popular, contributing massive value to the individuals, their companies and their communities. As a college, we help learners from a variety of backgrounds and social circumstances to challenge themselves and unlock their potential in boosting confidence and giving their creative sides a chance to grow.

We have adapted and innovated to meet changing needs, providing more than just adult education courses - as the offer helps combat loneliness; develop new skills to improve employability; provides career change retooling for those later in life; offers a sense of purpose and fulfilment; and improves confidence and mental health.

A jewel in the crown

This is the full potential of lifelong learning which, if enhanced and invested in accordingly, could be a real jewel in the crown for the new prime minister.  

So, is it right for us to assume that there is now genuine momentum behind establishing lifelong learning as the norm? Or are we getting carried away? We hope the new prime minister, secretary of state for education and the full government team will follow through on their promises. To make a real difference, this new government should seriously invest in the sector - and address the chronic under-funding of colleges, their staff and their buildings, ensure the sustainability of provision for the long term and actively work with the sector to raise its profile throughout the world.

We very much look forward to working with the new government to achieve its vision for the sector and play our part in delivering an optimistic future for the UK.

Phil Chamberlain is executive director for external engagement at City Lit