LLNs

Related Pages - LLNs Nationwide

Image of people sat around a table, studyingThe overall objective for Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) is to improve the coherence, clarity and certainty of progression opportunities for vocational learners into and through higher education.

Initial guidance for LLNs can be found in HEFCE/LSC Circular Letter 12/2004, which asked partnerships of higher education institutions and further education colleges (along with key partners such as Aimhigher, Regional Development Agencies, Sector Skills Councils and local employers) to develop network proposals. LLNs are supported through funding provided by the Strategic Development Fund. They identified the core characteristics which they expected an LLN to include but fully expected different and innovative approaches to be taken.

To achieve their overall objective, LLNs undertake the following specific activities:

  • Curriculum development to facilitate progression: alignment that removes barriers to progression and bridging provision that forms part of the higher education offer; and new higher education curriculum development involving employers (foundation degrees, work-based learning, e-learning and collaborative modules).
  • Information, advice, guidance and learner support systems that allow LLNs to engage and track learners in the context of lifelong learning opportunities.
  • Production of network-wide progression agreements underpinned by agreement on credit that defines clearly the expectations about progression that learners can reasonably hold and makes institutional commitments that these expectations will be met.

The Lifelong Learning Networks update pages of the HEFCE website give the latest summary of policy and practice developments. 

HEFCE has commissioned five LLNs to act as pathfinders for the higher education sector in their engagement with the new 14-19 diplomas being introduced in 2008.

LLNs complement the work of the Aimhigher programme, which seeks to raise aspirations and attainment to widen access and participation in HE. However, the focus of LLNs is on improving progression opportunities.

HEFCE's Council Briefing in June 2007 included a special supplement on LLNs which provides an overview of the role of LLNs and highlights the opportunities they offer.

HEFCE, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills are working on joint approaches to encouraging progression into and through higher education. They are now developing a joint strategy to advance vocational and workplace progression into and through higher education (the Joint Progression Strategy). As part of this, they are supporting the development of Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs).

Thirty Lifelong Learning Networks are currently in operation. Visit our LLNs Nationwide page for detailed information about the areas which operate LLNs.

The Lifelong Learning Network also has an LLN Practitoner website, which holds valuable information. This website is designed for everyone working within a LLN and will enable practitioners to share their experiences, access key documents, view details of upcoming events and find contact details for individual LLNs.

Lifelong Learning Network Practitioners Newsletters