Bristol Learning City FAQs

Learning Cities are being established across the world, based on the idea that by working and learning together we can achieve more and in turn this will transform lives, organisations and cities.

Bristol became England’s first UNESCO Learning City in 2016, a city where we work in partnership to create and promote learning opportunities for everyone, of all ages and from all communities, in all parts of the city. Bristol is also part of the PASCAL International Observatory Learning Cities Networks.

In September 2017, Bristol was presented with the UNESCO Learning City Award 2017 – one of 16 cities selected by an international panel of judges from over 50 applicants worldwide. The city was recognised for the good progress it had made in building a Learning City so far.

Learning has the power to change lives. It can open doors, help people get jobs, make friends and new connections. Statistics show that learning something new makes people feel more positive. It increases wellbeing and can help people live longer, healthier lives.

Learning also strengthens the economy; it creates a skilled, local workforce and helps organisations and businesses stay one step ahead, improving productivity, encouraging innovation and creating new jobs. Learning brings communities together, creating dynamic places for us to live, work and play.

Find out more about the benefits of learning here.

We know that Bristol is a great place to learn, with many opportunities available. Our schools are better than ever, our universities are world-class and our cultural and city organisations offer a great breadth of opportunity. However, it is also clear that many areas in Bristol experience multiple deprivation and persistent inequalities – it can be a city of contrasts and not everyone has the same opportunity to learn and prosper.

Bristol Learning City is governed by a Partnership Board made up of influential city leaders. The Partnership Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction and agreeing priority actions. Delivery is overseen by a number of Task and Finish Groups involving over 70 local partners.

The Partnership Board is working to ensure:

  • Every child and young person in Bristol will leave each education phase proud of their achievements and having participated in high quality education
  • People in Bristol have the knowledge and support to make informed decisions concerning their future careers and employment opportunities
  • People in Bristol value and continue to participate in learning throughout their lives
  • Bristol has a coherent and cohesive learning system enabling clear pathways for people in Bristol.