Connecting pathways opportunity and ambition across south London
South Bank Colleges was proud to stand at the heart of the recent strategy launch at Walworth Town Hall, where partners from education, industry, local government and community organisations gathered to shape the future of learning and skills across our city.
The event captured the spirit of our work every day. When organisations collaborate, pathways open and outcomes change. That message resonated throughout the morning as speakers reflected on how clear routes through education can transform lives and strengthen communities.
A shared vision for pathways that work
At South Bank Colleges, pathways are more than a framework. They are the bridge between aspiration and achievement. From ESOL through to Level 3, apprenticeships and progression into higher education, connected routes give learners the confidence to move forward at every stage.
We were encouraged by the recognition of this approach from Florence Eshalomi, who highlighted how the work of the wider LSBU Group aligns with national priorities for post 16 education and skills. She praised the breadth of courses and facilities available at South Bank Colleges and welcomed our commitment to expand pathway provision across south London.
Marcia Cameron reinforced this message, emphasising how connected learning journeys are opening opportunities that once felt out of reach for many Lambeth residents. Her reflections echoed what we see every day in our classrooms and workshops: when learners can see the next step clearly, they take it.
Partnership driving real impact
The launch also celebrated the strength of partnership working. Group Chief Executive Paul Kett shared examples that demonstrate what happens when education providers and employers work side by side. Training a significant proportion of London’s nurses each year, supporting thousands of residents through green skills initiatives and collaborating with industry partners on retrofit and healthy homes all show how impact grows through collaboration.
For South Bank Colleges, these partnerships ensure that learning remains relevant, practical and closely connected to employment. We connect students to meaningful careers and employers to future talent while supporting communities to access opportunity.
Connecting across the Group
The strategy Connecting reflects the collective strength of our Group which includes London South Bank University, South Bank Colleges and South Bank Academies Trust. Together we offer one of the most comprehensive education pathways in England, supporting learners from entry level through to doctoral study.
The six themes at the centre of the strategy Pathways Partnerships Student Success London People and Culture and Technology provide a clear direction for the next five years. For our college community, this means expanding flexible learning, strengthening employer collaboration and ensuring every learner can progress with confidence.
Learners at the centre
Perhaps the most powerful part of the launch was seeing students present and recognised as the reason this work matters. Their journeys represent the purpose behind Connecting. Every new pathway, partnership and programme is designed to support their success and the success of those who follow.
The strategy is not an endpoint. It is a starting point. It challenges us to deepen our impact, reach more learners and continue redefining tertiary education for a global technology driven economy rooted firmly in London.
Looking ahead
South Bank Colleges is grateful to everyone who contributed to the launch, including Simon Hughes and partners across sectors who share our commitment to opportunity through education.
Connectivity sits at the centre of what we do. By connecting learners to careers, employers to talent and communities to possibility, we are building pathways that change lives.
The conversation that began at Walworth Town Hall continues in our classrooms, workshops and partnerships every day. And this is only the beginning.
